FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)RegulationsMedium
During preflight planning under 14 CFR 91.103, a sport pilot reviews NOTAMs for the departure and destination airports. Which of the following is a primary reason NOTAMs must be checked?
- ANOTAMs replace the need to check current weather reports and forecasts
- BNOTAMs are only required for flights conducted under IFR, not VFR
- CNOTAMs list the current density altitude at each airport along the route
- DNOTAMs provide information such as runway closures, taxiway restrictions, and out-of-service navigation aids
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. NOTAMs provide information such as runway closures, taxiway restrictions, and out-of-service navigation aids
NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions) contain time-critical information such as runway/taxiway closures, obstructions, and navigation aid outages that are not yet published in aeronautical charts. 14 CFR 91.103 requires pilots to become familiar with all available information, which includes NOTAMs for the intended flight.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. NOTAMs supplement, but do not replace, weather briefings.
- B. NOTAM review is required for preflight action under 91.103 regardless of VFR or IFR.
- C. Density altitude is calculated from weather data, not listed in NOTAMs.
NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions)
Time-critical aeronautical information not known far enough in advance to be published in charts, such as runway closures or NAVAID outages.
- Required review item under 91.103 preflight action
- Cover closures, obstructions, NAVAID/lighting outages, TFRs
- Available through Flight Service and online briefing sources
Memory trick: NOTAMs = 'Notice Of Temporary Airport Mess'