WP-04
NOTAM Interpretation for
UAV Operators
White Paper Series 2569 — Airspace Structure and Aeronautical Information of Thailand
Reference:
Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI) / AIP Thailand
Introduction
A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) is an official aeronautical information notice that provides time-sensitive information affecting flight safety and airspace operations. The information is legally effective within the specified time and geographic area.
In Thailand, NOTAMs are published through the Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) system operated by Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd. (AEROTHAI) under the regulatory oversight of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
These notices are made publicly available through aeronautical information systems and official AEROTHAI platforms and are considered operational aviation information.
For UAV operators, failing to review current NOTAMs before a flight can create direct legal and operational safety risks.
What is NOTAM used for?
NOTAMs are used to publish operational information such as:
• Unmanned aircraft operations (UAS / UAV activities)
• Military air exercises
• Gun firing activities
• Temporary restricted areas (TRA / temporary airspace restrictions)
• Aerial photography or survey operations
• Fireworks displays
• Navigation aid testing or flight checks (ILS / DME flight inspection)
• Temporary airspace reservations
All of these can directly affect the flight decision-making process of UAV operators.
How to Read a NOTAM
Example
J7095/25 2512230000/2603221100 DAILY 0000–0159 0501–0559 0900–1100
Interpretation
J7095/25
NOTAM identification number.
2512230000 / 2603221100
Start: 23 Dec 2025, 0000 UTC
End: 22 Mar 2026, 1100 UTC
DAILY 0000–0159
The NOTAM is active every day during the specified time periods.
Altitude Limits
Lower Limit: GND
Upper Limit: 9,000 FT AMSL
This means the restriction applies from ground level up to 9,000 feet above mean sea level.
This information defines when and at what altitude the restriction is active, which directly affects flight planning for UAV operations.
Key Terms UAV Operators Must Understand
GND – Ground level
AGL – Above Ground Level
AMSL – Above Mean Sea Level
FL130 – Flight Level 13,000 feet
UNL – Unlimited altitude
WI AREA – Within the specified area
RADIUS 3NM – Radius of 3 nautical miles
Incorrect interpretation of altitude references can lead to misjudging operational risk and airspace restrictions.
Example of a NOTAM
Related to UAV Operations
Example message:
UNMANNED AIRCRAFT WILL TAKE PLACE WI AREA
Meaning
This indicates that UAV operations will be conducted within the specified area during the stated time period.
Other UAV operators should assess:
• Whether their planned operation overlaps with the affected area
• Whether the operating time conflicts with the NOTAM period
• Whether the NOTAM affects flight authorization or operational safety
NOTAM and Pre-Flight Decision Making
Guidelines for UAV Operators
Before every flight, operators should review:
• AIP ENR 5.1
• Airspace classifications (VTP / VTR / VTD)
• The latest NOTAM information
• NOTAMs related to nearby airports or the relevant FIR
NOTAM information is dynamic and time-sensitive.
Operators should not rely on outdated information or assumptions when planning a flight.
Common Mistakes
• Failing to convert UTC time to local time
• Misreading single or double coordinate formats
• Confusing AGL (Above Ground Level) with AMSL (Above Mean Sea Level)
• Assuming NOTAMs apply only to large aircraft
• Failing to check NOTAMs before requesting or conducting flight permission
These mistakes can lead to unintentional violations of aviation regulations.
Operational Conclusion
NOTAM is an important tool for risk management for UAV operators.
Although it is not a structural airspace classification like VTP / VTR / VTD, it has direct operational effect during the published time period.
Responsible operators must be able to read, interpret, and assess the operational impact of NOTAM information independently before conducting a flight.
References and Usage Rights
This document is prepared for educational, research, and structural explanation purposes only.
Public information is referenced from:
Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI) and AIP Thailand.
Reproduction, modification, or commercial distribution of this document without written permission from DTTC is prohibited.