DGCA CPL / ATPL Ground School
Chapter 10
Aeronautical
Information Services

Comprehensive Study Notes — ICAO Annex 15 · PANS-AIM (Doc 10066) · AIP India · CAR Section 9 Series 'I' Part I Issue II

ICAO Annex 15 PANS-AIM Doc 10066 CAR Sec-9 'I' Pt-I AIP India AAI / DGCA
Capt. Pankaj Pahil
📋 Table of Contents
Section 01
General — AIS Overview & Responsibilities

1.1 What is AIS?

📖 Definition

The Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) is the body responsible for ensuring the continuous flow of aeronautical data and aeronautical information that is necessary for the safety, regularity, economy, and efficiency of global Air Traffic Management (ATM) — in an environmentally sustainable manner.

1.2 Why Has AIS Become More Critical?

The role and importance of aeronautical data changed significantly with the implementation of modern navigation technologies:

RNAV Area Navigation PBN Perf-Based Nav PBC Perf-Based Comm PBS Perf-Based Surv. SATVOICE Satellite Voice Comm Airborne Computer Nav Systems AIS is the DATA BACKBONE for all these systems TECHNOLOGIES DRIVING AIS IMPORTANCE

1.3 What Does AIS Publish?

Aeronautical information shall be provided in a standardized presentation and shall include:

📦 The AIS Product Suite
  • AIP — Aeronautical Information Publication
  • AIP Amendments
  • AIP Supplements
  • AIC — Aeronautical Information Circulars
  • NOTAM — Notice to Airmen
  • Aeronautical Charts

1.4 Responsibilities in India

Publication / ServiceResponsible Authority
AIS (all publications except AIC) Airports Authority of India (AAI)
Aeronautical Information Circulars (AIC) DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation)
⚠️ Exam Alert

AAI provides all AIS except AIC. AIC is published by DGCA. This distinction is a common exam question!

Section 02
Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP)
📖 AIP Definition

AIP is intended primarily to satisfy international requirements for the exchange of aeronautical information of a lasting character essential to air navigation. When practicable, the form of presentation is designed to facilitate their use in flight.

AIP constitutes the basic information source for permanent information and long-duration temporary changes.

2.1 AIP Contents

An AIP shall contain information in three parts, with sections and subsections uniformly referenced to allow for standardized electronic data storage and retrieval, arranged under subjects enumerated in Annex 15.

AIP PartCodeContents
Part 1 — General GEN National regulations, tables & codes, services, ATS, comms, met, SAR, charges
Part 2 — En-Route ENR General rules, FIR/CTA/TMA, radio nav aids, navigation warnings, en-route charts
Part 3 — Aerodromes AD Aerodromes/heliports, rescue & firefighting, licensing, aerodrome details

2.2 AIP General Specifications

2.3 Specifications for AIP Amendments

✅ AIP Amendment Rules
  • Permanent changes to the AIP shall be published as AIP Amendments.
  • Each AIP Amendment shall be allocated a serial number which shall be consecutive.
  • Each AIRAC AIP Amendment page (including the cover sheet) shall display an effective date.
  • When an AIP Amendment will not be published at the established interval or publication date, a NIL notification shall be originated and distributed by the monthly printed plain-language list of valid NOTAM.

2.4 Specifications for AIP Supplements

📖 What goes into an AIP Supplement?

Temporary changes of long duration (three months or longer) AND information of short duration which contains extensive text and/or graphics shall be published as AIP Supplements.

3
months or longer = "Long Duration"
≤1 mo
Checklist of valid AIP SUPs issued interval
Yellow
Preferred page color for AIP SUPs
📝 Regulatory Note

The requirements for NOTAM apply when time constraints do not allow sufficient time for the distribution of an AIP Supplement.

2.5 Electronic AIP (eAIP)

The AIP, AIP Amendment, AIP Supplement, and AIC should also be published in a format that allows for:

ℹ️ Note on eAIP

This composite electronic document is named "Electronic AIP" (eAIP) and may be based on a format that allows for digital data exchange.

Section 03
NOTAM — Notice to Airmen
📖 Definition

A NOTAM is a notice distributed by means of telecommunication containing information concerning the establishment, condition or change in any aeronautical facility, service, procedure or hazard, the timely knowledge of which is essential to personnel concerned with flight operations.

3.1 NOTAM Types

TypeSuffixMeaning
NOTAM (N)NNOTAM New — Original issuance of a new NOTAM
NOTAM (R)RNOTAM Replacement — Replaces a previously issued NOTAM
NOTAM (C)CNOTAM Cancellation — Cancels a previously issued NOTAM

3.2 Trigger NOTAM

🔔 What is a Trigger NOTAM?

The intent of a Trigger NOTAM is to serve as a reminder in the pre-flight information bulletin (PIB) for the forthcoming operationally significant change in the AIP (via AIP Supplement), if applicable.

When an AIP Supplement is published in accordance with AIRAC procedures, a trigger NOTAM must be originated giving:

⚠️ Critical Rule

The Trigger NOTAM must come into force on the same date as the supplement to which it refers. It is included in the PIB to ensure pilots and operators are reminded that changes will take place as of a given effective date.

3.3 NOTAM Origination Rules

✅ When SHALL a NOTAM be Originated?
  • Information is of a temporary nature and of short duration, OR
  • Operationally significant permanent changes, OR
  • Temporary changes of long duration made at short notice, except for extensive text and/or graphics.

The need for origination shall be considered in any circumstance which may affect the operations of aircraft.

3.4 Information NOT Notified by NOTAM (9 Exceptions)

🚫 The Following SHALL NOT Be Notified by NOTAM
#Situation / Condition
a)Routine maintenance work on aprons and taxiways which does not affect the safe movement of aircraft
b)Runway marking work, when aircraft operations can safely be conducted on other available runways, or the equipment used can be removed when necessary
c)Temporary obstructions in the vicinity of aerodromes/heliports that do not affect the safe operation of aircraft
d)Partial failure of aerodrome/heliport lighting facilities where such failure does not directly affect aircraft operations
e)Partial temporary failure of air-ground communications when suitable alternative frequencies are known to be available and operative
f)The lack of apron marshalling services and road traffic control
g)The unserviceability of location, destination or other instruction signs on the aerodrome movement area
h)Parachuting when in uncontrolled airspace under VFR, when controlled at promulgated sites, or within danger or prohibited areas
i)Other information of a similar temporary nature
🧠 Memory Aid — 9 No-NOTAM Situations
"R-M-T-L-C-M-S-P-O"
Runway marking · Maintenance (aprons) · Temporary obstructions (safe) · Lighting (partial) · Communications (partial, alt. available) · Marshalling absent · Signs unserviceable · Parachuting (VFR uncontrolled) · Other similar

3.5 Advance Notice Requirements

7 days
Min. advance notice for activation of danger/restricted/prohibited areas or temporary airspace restrictions (non-emergency)
24 hrs
Desirable advance notice whenever possible for airspace utilization planning

NOTAM notifying unserviceability of aids to air navigation, facilities, or communication services shall give an estimate of the period of unserviceability or the time at which restoration of service is expected.

3.6 SNOWTAM

❄️ SNOWTAM Definition

A SNOWTAM is a special series NOTAM given in a standard format providing a surface condition report notifying the presence or cessation of hazardous conditions due to:

  • Snow, ice, slush, frost
  • Standing water
  • Water associated with snow, slush, ice or frost on the movement area

3.7 Runway Condition Code (RWYCC)

🛬 RWYCC — Surface Condition Assessment and Reporting

The Runway Condition Code (RWYCC) is used for reporting assessed runway information.

  • The aerodrome operator assesses the runway surface conditions whenever water, snow, slush, ice or frost are present on an operational runway.
  • From this assessment, a RWYCC and a description of the runway surface are reported which can be used by the flight crew for aeroplane performance calculations.
  • This format, based on the type, depth, and coverage of contaminants, is the best assessment of the runway surface condition by the aerodrome operator.
  • Changes in conditions shall be reported without delay.
  • The RWYCC shall be reported for each one third of the runway to be assessed.
📝 Reference Documents for RWYCC

For details refer Doc 9981 PANS-Aerodrome and Doc 10066 PANS-AIM.

3.8 ASHTAM

🌋 ASHTAM — Volcanic Activity NOTAM

Information concerning an operationally significant change in volcanic activity, a volcanic eruption and/or volcanic ash cloud shall, when reported by means of an ASHTAM, contain the information in the order shown in the ASHTAM Format.

3.9 NOTAM General Specifications

3.10 NOTAM Distribution

Section 04
AIRAC — Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control
📖 AIRAC Definition

AIRAC (Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control) is a system aimed at advance notification based on common effective dates, of circumstances necessitating significant changes in operating procedures. It uses a 28-day amendment cycle.

4.1 AIRAC General Specifications

✅ AIRAC Cycle Rules
  • Information concerning establishment, withdrawal or significant changes upon a series of common effective dates at intervals of 28 days, including 29 January 1998.
  • The information notified therein shall not be changed further for at least another 28 days after the effective date, unless the circumstance notified is of a temporary nature and would not persist for the full period.
  • The regulated system (AIRAC) shall also be used for the provision of information relating to the establishment and withdrawal of, and premeditated significant changes.
28
Day AIRAC Cycle (standard interval)
42 days
Min. distribution lead time by AIS unit (paper copy)
28 days
Objective — recipients receive info before effective date
56 days
For MAJOR changes — distribution by AIS unit in advance

4.2 Information to be Notified by AIRAC

PART 1 — Establishment, Withdrawal, and Premeditated Significant Changes to:

CategorySpecifics
Limits & Procedures for Airspace a) Flight Information Regions b) Control Areas c) Control Zones d) Advisory Areas e) ATS Routes f) Permanent Danger/Prohibited/Restricted Areas & ADIZ g) Areas/Routes where interception is possible
Radio Navigation & Comms Positions, frequencies, call signs, known irregularities and maintenance periods of radio navigation aids and communication facilities
Procedures Holding and approach procedures, arrival and departure procedures, noise abatement procedures and any other pertinent ATS procedures
Met & Infrastructure Meteorological facilities (including broadcasts) and procedures · Runways and stopways

PART 2 — Establishment and Withdrawal, and Premeditated Significant Changes to:

4.3 Provision of Information in Paper Copy Form

56 days before
For major changes where advance notice is desirable and practicable — information in paper copy should be distributed by the AIS unit.
42 days before
For all AIRAC information in all instances — must be distributed by AIS unit to achieve 28-day recipient receipt objective.
28 days before
The objective for recipients to have received paper copy before the effective date.
Effective Date
AIRAC change comes into force. No further change for at least 28 days unless temporary and non-persistent.
⚠️ Key Numbers to Memorize

AIRAC Cycle = 28 days  |  AIS distributes paper copy at least 42 days ahead  |  Recipients to receive 28 days ahead  |  Major changes: AIS distributes 56 days ahead

Section 05
Aeronautical Information Circulars (AIC)
📖 AIC — When is it Originated?

An AIC shall be originated when it is necessary to promulgate aeronautical information which does not qualify for inclusion in an AIP or for the origination of a NOTAM.

5.1 AIC Origination Criteria

An AIC shall be originated whenever it is desirable to promulgate:

5.2 AIC General Specifications

SpecificationDetail
FormatAIC shall be issued in printed form. Both text and diagrams may be included.
NumberingEach AIC shall be allocated a serial number which shall be consecutive and based on the calendar year.
Multiple SeriesWhen AIC are distributed in more than one series, each series shall be separately identified by a letter.
International DistributionOriginator shall select the AIC that are to be given international distribution.
ChecklistA checklist of AIC currently in force shall be issued at least once a year, with distribution as for the AIC.
Distribution RuleAIC selected for international distribution shall be the same as for the AIP.
India ResponsibilityPublished by DGCA (not AAI)
Section 06
Aeronautical Charts
Section 07
Pre-Flight & Post-Flight Information / PIB

7.1 Pre-Flight Information Requirements

✅ At International Aerodromes

At any aerodrome/heliport normally used for international air operations, aeronautical information essential for the safety, regularity and efficiency of air navigation and relative to the route stages originating at the aerodrome/heliport shall be made available to:

  • Flight operations personnel
  • Flight crews
  • Services responsible for pre-flight information

Aeronautical information provided for pre-flight planning purposes at the aerodromes/heliports shall include relevant:

The documentation may be limited to national publications and when practicable, those of immediately adjacent States, provided a complete library of aeronautical information is available at a central location and means of direct communications are available between the aerodrome AIS unit and that library.

7.2 Pre-Flight Information Bulletin (PIB)

📖 PIB Definition

A recapitulation of current NOTAM and other information of urgent character shall be made available to flight crews in the form of plain-language pre-flight information bulletins (PIB).

PIB Availability in India (Four Locations)

#Aerodrome
1Kolkata
2Chennai
3Delhi
4Mumbai

The information provided at each aerodrome includes: information on departure aerodrome, elements of the Integrated Aeronautical Information Package and maps and charts.

7.3 Automatic Self Briefing System (ASBS)

💻 ASBS

The Automatic Self Briefing System (ASBS) provides an automatic method of receiving, storing and retrieving the data essentially required for pilot's pre-flight briefing. It has the capability to include information pertaining to the stations and routes concerned.

7.4 Post-Flight Information

🛬 Post-Flight Information Purpose

The purpose of post-flight information is to ensure that:

  • Malfunctioning/unserviceability of visual or non-visual aids or any other facility essential to the safety of flight operations, observed by the Pilot during the flight, are reported without delay to the authorities responsible for those facilities.
  • Presence of birds and wildlife hazards on or around the airport constituting a potential hazard to aircraft operations, observed by a Pilot, should be reported without delay.

This ensures information is made available for distribution as circumstances necessitate.

Section 08
Telecommunication Requirements & Digital Data Sets

8.1 Telecom Requirements

8.2 Digital Data Sets

Digital data shall be in the form of the following data sets:

#Data Set
a)AIP data set
b)Terrain data sets
c)Obstacle data sets
d)Aerodrome mapping data sets
e)Instrument flight procedure data sets

8.3 Aeronautical Information Products

📦 AIS Products

Aeronautical data and aeronautical information provided either as digital data sets or as a standardized presentation in paper or electronic media. Products include:

  • AIP, AIC, NOTAMS
  • Aeronautical charts
  • Digital data sets

These products are intended primarily to satisfy international requirements for the exchange of aeronautical information.

Section 09
National Provisions — India (AAI, NOF, NOTAM Series)

9.1 AIS Infrastructure in India

The Aeronautical Information Service which forms part of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) ensures the flow of information necessary for the safety, regularity and efficiency of International and National Air Navigation within the areas of its responsibility. It consists of:

ComponentLocation / Detail
AIS Headquarters (AIS HQ) Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi – 110 003
International NOTAM Office (NOF) 4 offices: Mumbai, Calcutta (Kolkata), Delhi, Chennai
AIS Units At various aerodromes throughout India
⚠️ Exam Trap: NOF = International NOTAM Office

NOF = International NOTAM Office. Four NOFs established at Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Chennai ONLY — NOT at all major aerodromes, NOT at all international airports.

9.2 Area of Responsibility

The Aeronautical Information Service is responsible for the collection and dissemination of information for:

9.3 NOTAM Series in India

NOTAMs are originated by the International NOTAM Offices at Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai. NOTAMs are distributed in five series identified by letters A, B, C, D and G:

A
International — Long

Changes/unserviceability of aeronautical facilities likely to last more than 2 hours in respect of locations of direct importance to international aircraft operations, requiring General International Distribution.

B
International — Short

Changes/unserviceability likely to last more than 30 minutes but less than 2 hours for international locations, requiring limited distribution to adjacent stations only.

C
Domestic Only

Changes/unserviceability at locations used by domestic flights only for which no separate Series A International Distribution is given.

D
Military Airfields

Changes/unserviceability at military controlled airfields used by domestic flights. Issued by AHQ through a VVO broadcast.

G
General (Lasting)

Information of general and lasting character affecting aircraft operations in general. Operated only by the International NOTAM Office, Delhi.

📅 NOTAM Series Numbering

NOTAM of each series are allocated a serial number by the respective NOTAM offices, commencing with No. 0001 preceded by the designated letter of series A, B, C, D & G as the case may be, at 0000 UTC on 1st January every year.

9.4 Checklist and Summary of NOTAM

9.5 AIP India — Structure

AIP India has been published in two volumes:

VolumeContentsParts
Volume I Part 1 — General (GEN) & Part 2 — En-route (ENR) GEN ENR
Volume II Part 3 — Aerodromes (AD) AD

The AIP is published in loose leaf form in English for use in International and Domestic Operations.

India — Amendment and Supplement Schedule

DocumentIndia Schedule
AIP Amendment (AMDT)Made by means of replacement sheets, once a year in the month of April
AIP Supplement (SUP)Checklist of AIP Supplements currently in force issued in the month of January of each year
Section 10
AIP Content Detail — GEN / ENR / AD (India)

10.1 PART 1 — GENERAL (GEN)

National Regulation and Requirements

Tables and Codes

Services

Air Traffic Services

Communication Services

Meteorological Services

Search and Rescue

Charges

📝 Exam Point

Charges for aerodromes/heliports and Air Navigation Services are in Part 1 — GEN.

Location indicators list is in Part 1 — GEN.

SIGMET service information is in Part 1 — GEN (Meteorological services subsection).

10.2 PART 2 — EN-ROUTE (ENR)

General Rules and Procedures

FIR / CTA / TMA, Other Regulated Airspace

Radio Navigation Aids/systems

Navigation Warnings

📝 Exam Point

Prohibited, restricted, and dangerous areas are in Part 2 — ENR (Navigation Warnings subsection). Holding, approach and departure procedures are in Part 2 — ENR.

10.3 PART 3 — AERODROME (AD)

📝 Exam Point

Refuelling facilities and limitations on refuelling services are in Part 3 — AD. Detailed meteorological information at the aerodrome and which meteorological office is responsible is in Part 3 — AD.

Section 11
Integrated Aeronautical Information Package (IAIP)
📦 IAIP Elements (India)

The Aeronautical Information is provided in the form of the Integrated Aeronautical Information Package consisting of the following elements:

#ElementCodeDistribution Method (India)
a.Aeronautical Information PublicationAIPDistributed by mail
b.Amendment service to the AIPAIP AMDTDistributed by mail
c.Supplement to the AIPAIP SUPDistributed by mail
d.NOTAM and pre-flight information bulletinsNOTAM / PIBNOTAMS via AFS; PIB at ATS Reporting Office
e.Aeronautical information circularsAICDistributed by mail
f.Checklists and summariesNOTAMS via AFS
✅ Complete IAIP = Answer to Q4 / Q24

The correct answer for "elements of the Integrated Aeronautical Information Package" is: AIP (including amendment service) + supplements to AIP + NOTAM and pre-flight information bulletins (PIB) + AIC + checklists and summaries — i.e., Option B in the exam questions.

11.1 AIS Products Flowchart

AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION PRODUCTS — SELECTION FLOWCHART IS THE INFORMATION PERMANENT OR TEMPORARY? PERMANENT CHANGE? YES AIP AMENDMENT Via AIRAC (AMDT) NO (TEMP) DURATION ≥ 3 MONTHS OR EXTENSIVE TEXT? YES AIP SUPPLEMENT Yellow pages NO NOTAM Short-duration temporary info Advisory/Admin? AIC Advisory / Explanatory Decision Point Permanent Change Temporary Notice Advisory / Admin
Figure 11.1 — AIS Publication Selection Flowchart
Section Q&A
DGCA Practice Questions — All 30 with Answers & Explanations
Q.01 Detailed description of meteorological information provided at the aerodrome and an indication of which meteorological office is responsible, is in the following part of the AIP:
A) AD
B) RAC
C) MET
✏️ The AD (Aerodromes) section of the AIP contains aerodrome-specific information including the meteorological office responsible at that aerodrome. Note: "MET" and "RAC" are not AIP part designations in the ICAO/India system. AD = Part 3.
Q.02 A checklist of AIP supplements currently in force shall be issued at intervals of:
A) Not more than 2 months
B) Not more than 28 days
C) Not more than one month
✏️ Regulations specify: checklist of valid AIP Supplements shall be issued at intervals of not more than ONE MONTH. This is issued through the monthly printed plain language list of valid NOTAM.
Q.03 Which of the following is information that is NOT given in AIP approach and landing charts?
A) OCH or OCA
B) Visibility minima
C) DME-frequencies
✏️ AIP approach charts show OCH/OCA and DME frequencies. Visibility minima as such are typically in operational minima tables, not on the standard approach chart itself. This is a standard exam discrimination question.
Q.04 An integrated aeronautical information package consists of the following elements:
A) AIP, supplements to AIP; NOTAM and PIB, AIC and checklist summaries
B) AIP, including amendment service; supplements to AIP, NOTAM and pre-flight information bulletin (PIB), AIC, checklists and summaries
C) AIP, including amendment service; supplements to AIP, NOTAM, AIC and checklist summaries
✏️ Option B is the COMPLETE and correct list. Key difference from C: Option B correctly includes "pre-flight information bulletin (PIB)" as a distinct element along with NOTAM. Option A lacks "amendment service" as a distinct component.
Q.05 Temporary changes on specifications for AIP supplements of long duration and information of short duration which contains extensive text and/or graphics shall be published as AIP supplements. It is considered a long duration:
A) Three months or longer
B) Two months or longer
C) One year or longer
✏️ Per regulations: "Temporary changes of long duration (THREE MONTHS OR LONGER)" shall be published as AIP Supplements.
Q.06 Operationally significant changes to the AIP shall be published in accordance with:
A) AIC procedures and identified by the acronym AIC followed by a number
B) NOTAM procedures and identified by acronym NOTAM followed by a number
C) AIRAC procedures and identified by the acronym AIRAC
✏️ Operationally significant changes to the AIP shall be published in accordance with AIRAC procedures and shall be clearly identified by the acronym — AIRAC. This is directly from the AIP General Specifications.
Q.07 A checklist of NOTAM currently in force shall be issued at the AFTN at intervals of:
A) Not more than 28 days
B) Not more than one month
C) Not more than 10 days
✏️ A checklist of valid NOTAM shall be issued over the Aeronautical Fixed Service (AFS) at intervals of not more than ONE MONTH using the NOTAM Format specified. One NOTAM shall be issued for each series.
Q.08 Change in frequency or location of navigational aids on short notice is notified through:
A) NOTAMs
B) AIRAC
C) AIP
✏️ Short-notice temporary or permanent operationally significant changes (like nav aid frequency/location changes on short notice) are notified by NOTAM. AIRAC is for pre-planned changes; AIP is for permanent/long-term information.
Q.09 The contents of Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) are:
A) GEN, ENR (en-route) and AD (aerodromes)
B) GEN, ENR, RAC, AD
C) GEN, AGA, COM, ENR, FAL
✏️ The AIP has exactly THREE parts: GEN (General), ENR (En-Route), and AD (Aerodromes). "RAC", "AGA", "COM", "FAL" are older ICAO Annex designations no longer used as AIP part codes in the current Annex 15 structure.
Q.10 The SIGMET service, is in the AIP, in the following part:
A) AGA
B) GEN
C) MET
✏️ Meteorological services including SIGMET service details are found in Part 1 — GEN under the "Meteorological services" subsection. "MET" is not an AIP part designation.
Q.11 In which chapter of the AIP can you find a list with "location indicators"?
A) AGA
B) GEN
C) ENR
✏️ Location indicators are listed in the Tables and Codes subsection of Part 1 — GEN. This includes location indicators (ICAO four-letter aerodrome codes), abbreviations, conversion tables, etc.
Q.12 The informations on holding, approach and departure procedures, are found in the following part of the AIP:
A) ENR
B) MAP
C) AD
✏️ ENR Part 2 includes General Rules and Procedures covering approach and departure procedures, ATS airspace classification, etc. Holding procedures are also in ENR. "MAP" is not an AIP part.
Q.13 The closure of a runway for a year, because of maintenance, will be published:
A) Only in AIP
B) In NOTAM and AIP, inclusive Supplement
C) Only in NOTAM
✏️ A year-long runway closure is a long-duration temporary change (≥3 months), so it requires an AIP Supplement. It would also initially be NOTAMed. Both NOTAM and AIP (Supplement) are used. "Only AIP" is wrong as only permanent changes go directly to AIP Amendment.
Q.14 An AIRAC is:
A) An acronym for a system aimed at advance notification based on common effective dates, of circumstances necessitating significant changes in operating procedures
B) A notice distributed by means of telecommunication containing information concerning establishment, condition or change in any aeronautical facility…
C) A package which consists of AIP, supplements to the AIP, NOTAM, AIC, checklists and summaries
✏️ A is the correct definition of AIRAC. B describes a NOTAM. C describes the Integrated Aeronautical Information Package (IAIP).
Q.15 Select the acronym corresponding to the following definition: a special NOTAM series notifying, by means of a specific format, an important change for the aircraft operations, due to a volcano activity, a volcano eruption or a volcanic ash cloud.
A) GVATAM
B) ASHTAM
C) NAVTAM
✏️ ASHTAM = Volcanic Ash NOTAM. It is a special series NOTAM in a specific format for volcanic activity, eruptions, and ash clouds. GVATAM and NAVTAM are distractors.
Q.16 The system notifying in advance the circumstances requiring important changes in the methods of operation, based on common effective dates, is identified by the acronym:
A) AIRAC
B) EATCHIP
C) IFPS
✏️ AIRAC = Aeronautical Information Regulation And Control. It uses common effective dates in 28-day cycles for advance notification of significant operational changes.
Q.17 The temporary, long-term modification (3 months or more) and the short-term extensive or graphical information are published as follows:
A) AIP Supplements
B) Trigger NOTAM
C) NOTAM
✏️ AIP Supplements are published for: (1) temporary changes of long duration (3 months or more) AND (2) short-duration information with extensive text/graphics. Trigger NOTAMs merely remind about upcoming AIP Supplement changes.
Q.18 The informations concerning charges for aerodromes/heliports and Air Navigation Services are on the following part of the AIP:
A) AD
B) GEN
C) FAL
✏️ Charges for Aerodromes/Heliports and Air Navigation Services are contained in Part 1 — GEN under "Charges for Aerodromes/heliports and Air Navigation Services." FAL is not an AIP part in current Annex 15 structure.
Q.19 A notice providing information on Rules of the Air, Traffic Services and Air Navigation Procedures and distributed in advance of its effective date is:
A) An AIRAC
B) An ATS NOTAM
C) An Advisory NOTAM
✏️ AIRAC provides advance notification of changes to Rules of the Air, ATS procedures, navigation procedures, etc. distributed in advance of common effective dates. It is the advance-notification system specifically for significant procedural changes.
Q.20 A notice containing information concerning flight safety, air navigation, technical, administration or legislative matters and originated at the AIS of a state is called:
A) NOTAM
B) AIRAC
C) Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC)
✏️ AIC is originated when it is necessary to promulgate aeronautical information of a purely explanatory or advisory nature concerning technical, legislative or purely administrative matters. This is the hallmark of an AIC — advisory, explanatory, administrative or legislative in nature.
Q.21 In which section of AIP are contained information elements relating to prohibited, restricted and dangerous areas?
A) AGA
B) ENR
C) GEN
✏️ ENR Part 2 contains "Navigation Warnings" which includes Prohibited, Restricted and Danger Areas, Military Exercise and Training Areas, and other activities of a dangerous nature.
Q.22 In which section of AIP are contained information elements to refueling facilities and limitations on refuelling services?
A) AD
B) GEN
C) SAR
✏️ Aerodrome-specific services such as refueling facilities and limitations are found in Part 3 — AD (Aerodromes). Each aerodrome entry in the AD section contains its specific ground services including fuel availability.
Q.23 In which section of the AIP are contained information elements relating to areas and/or routes for which meteorological service is provided?
A) MET
B) GEN
C) RAC
✏️ The GEN part of the AIP contains meteorological services information under "Meteorological services" subsection which covers area of responsibility and routes for which met service is provided. "MET" is not an AIP part designation.
Q.24 Each contracting state shall provide an AIS in its territory and shall include the preparation and origination of:
A) Only AIP and NOTAM's
B) AIP, NOTAM's, Circular and AIRAC
C) Integrated Aeronautical Information Package
✏️ Each contracting state's AIS obligation is to prepare and originate the complete Integrated Aeronautical Information Package (IAIP), not just individual components.
Q.25 The identification of each prohibited, restricted and danger area shall be composed by:
A) The nationality letters for location indicators assigned to the state or territory, followed by the letters P, R and D and figures
B) The letters P (Prohibited), R (Restricted) and D (Dangerous) for the area concerned and figures
C) The letters P (Prohibited), R (Restricted) and D (Dangerous) followed by figures
✏️ Identification = Nationality letters (e.g., "VI" for India) + type letter (P/R/D) + figures. Example: VIP123 = India Prohibited Area 123. This uses the country's nationality letters, not just P/R/D alone.
Q.26 NOF in India are established at:
A) All major aerodromes
B) All international airports
C) International Airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkatta and Chennai only
✏️ Only FOUR International NOTAM Offices (NOF) in India: Mumbai, Calcutta (Kolkata), Delhi, and Chennai. Not at all major aerodromes. Not at all international airports — specifically only these four.
Q.27 Runway Condition Report (RCR) is prepared by ______ for use by ______.
A) Aerodrome Operator, Flight Crew
B) Flight Crew, DGCA
C) Flight Crew, Aircraft Operator
✏️ The aerodrome operator assesses runway surface conditions and prepares the RWYCC/RCR. This information is then used by the flight crew for aeroplane performance calculations. Aerodrome Operator prepares → Flight Crew uses.
Q.28 Runway Condition Code (RWYCC) is reported for:
A) The runway to indicate unusable portion of the operational runway
B) For each one third portion of the operational runway to indicate the presence of water, snow, ice, slush or frost
C) For non operational runway to denote its status
✏️ RWYCC shall be reported for each ONE THIRD of the runway to be assessed. The runway is divided into three equal sections and each gets its own code. It is for OPERATIONAL runways, not non-operational ones.
Q.29 Standing water on runway is notified through a:
A) Notam W
B) Snowtam
C) AIRRAC
✏️ SNOWTAM covers: snow, ice, slush, frost, STANDING WATER, and water associated with snow/slush/ice/frost on the movement area. All these hazardous surface conditions are notified via SNOWTAM.
Q.30 NOF stands for:
A) Notam Office
B) Notam for Flight
C) International Notam Office
✏️ NOF = International NOTAM Office (Not just "NOTAM Office"). The word "International" is key — these offices handle international distribution of NOTAMs. India has 4 NOFs at the major international airports.
Quick Reference
Critical Numbers & Facts at a Glance
TopicCritical Value / Fact
AIP Supplement — Long Duration≥ 3 months
AIP SUP Checklist Interval≤ 1 month
AIP SUP Page ColourYellow (preferred)
AIRAC Cycle28 days
AIRAC — AIS distributes paper copy by42 days before effective date
AIRAC — Recipients should receive by28 days before effective date
AIRAC — Major changes advance distribution56 days before effective date
NOTAM Checklist Interval (AFS)≤ 1 month (one per series)
NOTAM Series in IndiaA, B, C, D, G
Series A duration> 2 hours, international importance
Series B duration> 30 min but < 2 hours
Series G operator (India)International NOTAM Office Delhi ONLY
AIS HQ IndiaSafdarjung Airport, New Delhi – 110 003
NOF in IndiaMumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai (4 only)
AIC published by (India)DGCA (NOT AAI)
AIS published by (India)AAI (Airports Authority of India)
AIC Checklist IntervalAt least once a year
RWYCC assessed perEach 1/3 of the runway
Advance notice for danger/restricted area activation≥ 7 days
Desirable advance notice (general)24 hours
PIB available at (India)Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai
AIP India — annual amendment monthApril
AIP India — SUP checklist monthJanuary
NOTAM numbering restarts0001 at 0000 UTC on 1st January each year