NOTAM vs AIP Supplement vs AIC
Three channels carry aeronautical-information changes. Channel depends on urgency and volume, not duration alone.
| Channel | Carries | Cite |
|---|---|---|
| NOTAM | Temporary, short-duration info, promptly issued | TC AIM MAP 3.1 |
| NOTAM | Operationally significant permanent change at short notice, cannot wait for next AIP amendment | TC AIM MAP 3.1 |
| NOTAM | Long-duration temporary change at short notice, cannot wait for next AIP amendment | TC AIM MAP 3.1 |
| AIP Canada Supplement | Change needing extensive text and/or graphics, even if short-duration (diverted out of NOTAM system regardless of length) | TC AIM MAP 2.2, 3.1 |
| AIP Canada Supplement | Temporary change expected to last 3 months or longer, not at short notice | TC AIM MAP 2.2, 3.1 |
| AIC | Advance notice of a major change to legislation, regulations, procedures, or administrative matters; text not in TC AIM or AIP Canada | TC AIM MAP 2.3 |
- All NOTAMs issued promptly.
- Duration alone does not rule a NOTAM out.
- AIC = heads-up before a regs change, not an operational change notice.
Examples:
- Five-day runway closure: NOTAM (permanent-style change at short notice).
- One-week notice needing a full diagram: Supplement (short-duration, but extensive graphics).
- Regulation change previewed months out: AIC.
Trigger NOTAM (TC AIM MAP 3.1):
- Special NOTAM announcing an AIP Canada Supplement is published and AIP Canada is coming into force.
- No operational detail; points pilots to the Supplement.
Trap: extensive text/graphics = Supplement even if short-duration; urgent permanent change = still NOTAM. Not "short duration = NOTAM" or "permanent = never NOTAM."
References
- TC AIM MAP 2.2
- TC AIM MAP 2.3
- TC AIM MAP 3.1