How Nav Canada Is Making NOTAMS Better

ByBlake

In November 2023, Nav Canada introduced the “Trigger NOTAM”. So called trigger because they don’t contain detailed information to the pilot in the NOTAM it self. But “triggers” you to look up the information in a secondary source: usually an AIP Supplement.

In other words: Something important exists outside the NOTAM system. Go look here instead.

Decoding a Trigger NOTAM

Lets take a look at an example Trigger NOTAM.

(M0575/26 NOTAMN
A) CYPQ B) 2605140901 C) 2605272359
E) TRIGGER NOTAM - AIP SUP 123/2025 WEF 14 MAY 2026. 
CHANGE IN MANDATORY FREQUENCY PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO (CYPQ)

“AIP SUP 123/2025” is the ID number of the AIP Supplement that details the change in MF frequency at CYPQ. So you will need to consult this document for more information.

AIP Supplements are found on Nav Canadas website at: https://www.navcanada.ca/en/aeronautical-information/aip-canada/aip-canada-supplements-sup.aspx

Looking up AIP SUP 123/2025 gives you all the details:

Why Trigger NOTAMs Are Better

Instead of trying to cram in a description of the change or outage in a block of text. The NOTAM references a document that allows graphics and images to better communicate information to pilots.

It also reduces NOTAM “fatigue” by reducing the amount of text a pilot needs to read during flight planning.

Take for example this change to procedures that would practically be impossible to describe in a typical/regular NOTAM:

What’s The Difference Between An AIC and a AIP SUP?

This trips up a lot of pilots.

AIP Supplements are used for temporary changes to aeronautical information that pilots may need to operate safely.

Think:

  • Runway construction
  • Temporary airspace changes
  • Procedure changes
  • NAVAID outages with complex workarounds
  • Anything that affects how you actually fly

If it changes operations, it may belong in an AIP SUP.

Where as an AIC (Aeronautical Information Circular) is used for information that may be important, but is not itself an operational change requiring chart or procedural publication.

Think:

  • Background on changes
  • Policy Explanations
  • Regulatory changes coming in the future
  • Education or guidance
  • Administrative notices

In order to stay on top of both AICs and AIP SUPs, I’ve created a notifcation website called beforeyoufly.ca. It allows you to subscribe to updates that may only be relevant to you. Feel free to sign up, it’s free!