The FAA system, which provides pilots with notices they must read before flying, is facing a failure affecting flights within the United States. It’s unclear how many flights will be affected at this early hour, given some airlines may be able to work without information from the system, otherwise known as BUT THERE.
“Technicians are currently working to restore the system and there is currently no specific service restoration estimate,” the FAA said in a statement.
“We are now conducting final reviews and restarting the system,” the FAA said in a statement. “This affects operations within the national airspace system, and we will provide frequent updates as we go.”
NOTAM, a notification sent to aeronautical authorities to alert pilots to potential hazards on a flight path or location that could affect flight, was previously available via a hotline, but has been phased out with the advent of the Internet.
Alerts in this system range from the usual airport construction information to urgent flight restrictions or faulty equipment.
The agency said it will provide frequent updates as it progresses in resolving the issue.