The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a reversal of a 2021 decision regarding the terminology used for critical safety messages provided to pilots before flights. These messages, commonly referred to as NOTAMs, will once again stand for “Notice to Airmen,” replacing the more recent designation, “Notice to Air Mission.”
The change was officially implemented on Monday when the FAA signed an order reinstating the previous terminology. The 2021 decision to modify the acronym’s meaning was introduced during the Biden administration as part of an effort to adopt more inclusive language, ensuring that all pilots, regardless of gender, were represented. However, the FAA has now opted to return to the original designation, which had been in use for decades.
NOTAMs serve as essential pre-flight alerts that inform pilots about potential hazards that could impact flight safety. These notifications provide critical details, including runway and taxiway closures, temporary airspace restrictions, and other operational conditions that may affect navigation and air travel.
The decision to revert to the original terminology comes amid ongoing discussions within aviation circles about regulatory language and its role in flight operations. While the 2021 change aimed to modernize the term, the FAA’s latest move suggests a preference for maintaining historical aviation terminology.
The FAA has not provided further details regarding the reasoning behind the reversal but has confirmed that the name change will be applied consistently across all official communications and documentation related to flight safety.
