Since the beginning of June, pilots can obtain NOTAMs (notices to airmen) on the IAA Web site, following the computerization of the flight-information service for pilots.

The IAA Web site (http://ext.iaa.gov.il/aeroinfo/) will post NOTAMs and weather bulletins, which until now could only be obtained from the flight-information offices. The information will appear on the site in the standard professional format, with daily and periodic updates, so that pilots planning a flight can know the relevant flight restrictions ahead of time. An answering service will enable pilots to listen to readouts of the information published on the IAA Web site at times when they do not have access to a computer (en route to the airport).

In addition, by dialing 03-9756222, pilots can listen to readouts of operational data from the VOLMET (national) and ATIS (local for the airport) systems, which until now they could only access using an aerial communications frequency.

Furthermore, starting this October, pilots will be able to submit a complete flight plan, and have it reviewed and approved by the IAA’s flight information unit through the Internet site. Submitting a flight plan through the Internet will streamline the process of contacting the flight information unit, previously done via fax or phone. The computerization of the flight information services will not eliminate the option available to pilots of personally telephoning the flight director to obtain clarifications, ask questions and solve problems that the computerized system cannot handle.

IAA director general Kobi Mor said: “The IAA launched this program in order to improve the operational flight information services provided to pilots. This step comes in the wake of the merger of the domestic fight information unit at Sde Dov and the international unit at Ben Gurion Airport into one unit, which at peak hours handles hundreds of domestic and international flight plans a day, together with the aim of upgrading the level of service provided to pilots and to speed up the process of obtaining professional information.”