# Annex 15 Definitions: Movement Area, SNOWTAM, and ASHTAM Reporting

> Review Annex 15 definitions for movement areas and special aeronautical notices, including SNOWTAM contamination reporting and ASHTAM volcanic ash alerts.

- **Subject:** 010 — Air Law
- **Section:** 010-08 — Aeronautical Information Service (AIS)
- **Topic code:** 010-08-02
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-03-27
- **Author:** Pablo Asensio Martínez
- **HTML version:** https://pilotsyllabus.com/en/air-law/aeronautical-information-service-ais/definitions-of-icao-annex-15/

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Fundamental concepts for aerodrome condition reporting.

## Movement Area
*   **Movement Area**: Part of an aerodrome for take-off, landing, and taxiing of aircraft. Includes **Maneuvering Area + Aprons**.
*   **Maneuvering Area**: Part of an aerodrome for take-off, landing, and taxiing of aircraft, **excluding aprons**.

## Special NOTAM Types

### SNOWTAM
*   A special series NOTAM notifying the presence or removal of hazardous conditions due to **snow, ice, slush, or standing water** associated with snow, slush, and ice on the movement area.
*   **Format**: Contains specific fields (e.g., Field F for runway contamination by thirds).
*   **Valid Contaminants**: Dry/wet snow, Compacted snow, Ice, Frost, Water, Slush.
    *   *Note*: Reports of "Sand" or "Dust" do not exist in SNOWTAM. "Compacted ice" is not a standard term (Ice or Compacted snow is used).

### ASHTAM
*   A special series NOTAM notifying changes in local **volcano** activity, a volcanic eruption, or **volcanic ash** cloud.
*   **Color code**: Indicates alert level (e.g., Red, Orange).
*   **Maximum validity**: 24 hours.
*   **Key Content**:
    *   Item A: Affected FIR.
    *   Item B: Date/Time of eruption (UTC).
    *   Item H: Affected routes and **Flight Levels**.

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Free study notes from pilotsyllabus.com. Not a substitute for training at an approved ATO.