International Security Notams Format Revised

On November 16 the U.S. began issuing international security notams under the accountability/location identifier of KICZ, replacing the use of ZZZ, which are no longer valid. Reference to flight information regions (FIRs) will also employ KICZ. The use of KFDC remains unchanged. However, the identifier of KICZ as the FIR in a notam’s “Q” line (the line containing information about who the notam affects along with a basic notam description) will be applied in lieu of KFDC, but only for international security notams. 

The FAA explained that except for international security notams, “the KFDC identifier will continue to be used for data of permanent airway/aeronautical services and of a general nature that are transmitted as notams and are given selected distribution to adjacent or appropriate International notam offices which require their exchange.”

Operators should expect to see “multiple KFDC notam updates” as these revisions are phased in, the agency said. These changes will “ensure clear visibility for high-profile notam information.”