What is the primary purpose of a NOTAM?

The primary purpose of a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) is to inform pilots of hazards or temporary flight restrictions that may affect their ability to fly safely. This includes notices about obstacles such as construction on or near runways, changes in airspace regulations, or other critical information pertinent to flight safety. NOTAMs serve as an essential communication tool to help ensure that pilots are aware of any conditions that might pose a risk to their operations, allowing them to make informed decisions and adjustments to their flight plans as necessary.

While sharing flight schedules, notifying airports of weather conditions, and providing updates from air traffic control are all important components of aviation operations, they are not the primary focus of a NOTAM. These other functions are typically handled through different channels or systems designed specifically for those purposes.