What is the purpose of NOTAMs in flight planning?

• A. NOTAMs provide weather forecasts
• B. NOTAMs alert about hazards and changes
• C. NOTAMs report maintenance logs
• D. NOTAMs set altitude restrictions

Answer: (B)

NOTAMs are notices that communicate temporary hazards and changes that can affect flight operations. They focus on information that could impact safety or efficiency, such as runway closures, navigation aid outages, taxiway restrictions, or temporary airspace restrictions. Checking NOTAMs during flight planning helps you adjust routes, altitudes, or timing to avoid problems and stay current with conditions that aren’t part of standard flight information.

Weather forecasts are a separate product, so NOTAMs aren’t primarily about weather. Maintenance logs are internal records and not the purpose of NOTAMs. While a NOTAM might mention an altitude or route restriction, its main role is to alert you to hazards and changes that could affect your planning and operations.