AIM Text
- Safety Alerts (SAs) are published to notify users of an error that was reported or discovered in one of our digital products. The specific product and effective date(s) are provided.
- Charting Notices (CNs) are published to notify users of a planned chart/publication enhancement and the effective date on which the enhancement will be implemented.
- Data Product Notices (DPNs) are published to notify users of a system outage. DPNs may also be used to notify users of a developmental upgrade to one of our digital products and the effective date on which the upgrade will be implemented.
- A listing of these notices is found on the AIS website at: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/safety_alerts/.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 9-1-3.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance defining three notices issued for the FAA's digital aeronautical products: Safety Alerts, which flag a reported or discovered error; Charting Notices, which announce a planned chart or publication enhancement; and Data Product Notices, which announce a system outage or developmental upgrade. Each notice gives the product and effective date.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What is the difference between a Safety Alert and a Charting Notice?
A Safety Alert (SA) notifies users of an error that was reported or discovered in one of the FAA's digital products, identifying the specific product and effective date. A Charting Notice (CN) instead notifies users of a planned chart or publication enhancement and the effective date on which that enhancement will be implemented.
What does a Data Product Notice tell pilots?
A Data Product Notice (DPN) is published to notify users of a system outage. The AIM also notes a DPN may be used to inform users of a developmental upgrade to one of the FAA's digital products and the effective date on which that upgrade will be implemented.
Where can pilots find a listing of these notices?
A listing of Safety Alerts, Charting Notices, and Data Product Notices is found on the FAA Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) website at faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/safety_alerts/.