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

010-08-02Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-03-271 min

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.
Written and reviewed by

Pablo Asensio · 2026-03-27

Aeronautical engineer. Passed the thirteen EASA ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge exams studying from these very notes. Writes and reviews each topic against the Part-FCL Learning Objectives.

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