Always Check NOTAMs Before Flight

NOTAMs are notices about the establishment, condition or change of any aeronautical facility, service, procedure or hazard – information that's essential to know in good time for anyone involved in flight operations. Generally, NOTAMs are urgent or temporary in nature.

Failing to check NOTAMs and AIP Supplements keeps CAA safety investigators busy examining potentially deadly occurrences. At Omaka, an aircraft flipped after attempting to land on a runway closed for regrassing. The NOTAM issued at the time read:

A0470/08 FROM: 09 MAR 2008 19:08 TO: 09 JUN 2008 19:00 GRASS RWY 01/19 AND GRASS RWY 07/25 CLSD DUE REGRASSING

Never assume everything is open and operational. NZPP itself has had NOTAMs such as:

RWY 16/34 CLSD DUE SFC FLOODING

Imagine the possible outcome for a pilot coming in to land unaware of that NOTAM.

Check the NOTAMs before every flight, and take the time to assess what impact each one will have on the safety of your flight and on the flight itself.