How to Read a FICON NOTAM

A FICON (Field Condition) NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) reports runway, taxiway, and  apron conditions which includes ice, snow, rain, etc to inform pilots of breaking action.

Look up your local aiport's FICON NOTAM using the FAA NOTAM Dashboard.

Things to Note before diving into an example of a FICON NOTAM:

• FICON NOTAMs have a maximum valid period of 24 hours.
• Runway conditions are separated into thirds (ie. 1/1/1).
• If a runway has a NIL breaking action report, it must immediate close.

• FICON NOTAMs are used to describe the runway condition and the breaking action. Below is the matrix used to describe how each number means in its relationship between the condition of the runway and the breaking action.

  

Content and Order of an FICON NOTAM:

1. NOTAM Issuer  
2. Month and Number Of the NOTAM 
3. Airport 
4. What type of Surface (Runway, Taxiway, Apron)
5. Type of NOTAM
6. Runway Condition (Only shows if the runway surface is covered >= 25%)
7. Surface Condition
8. Action being taken to treat the runway
9. Breaking Action
10. Observation Time
11. Conditions Not Monitored
12. Start / End Valid Time

Examples:

!ORD 03/631 ORD RWY 22L FICON 5/5/5 100 PCT WET OBS AT 2603161817. 2603161817-2603171817

!MKG 03/261 MKG TWY ALL FICON PATCHY 1/8IN SLUSH AND WET BA MEDIUM OBS AT 2603161827. 2603161827-2603171827