Regulation Text
(a) This section prescribes a process for utilizing Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) to advise of the issuance and operations under emergency air traffic rules and regulations and designates the official who is authorized to issue NOTAMs on behalf of the Administrator in certain matters under this section.
(b) Whenever the Administrator determines that an emergency condition exists, or will exist, relating to the FAA's ability to operate the air traffic control system and during which normal flight operations under this chapter cannot be conducted consistent with the required levels of safety and efficiency—
(1) The Administrator issues an immediately effective air traffic rule or regulation in response to that emergency condition; and
(2) The Administrator or the Associate Administrator for Air Traffic may utilize the NOTAM system to provide notification of the issuance of the rule or regulation.
Those NOTAMs communicate information concerning the rules and regulations that govern flight operations, the use of navigation facilities, and designation of that airspace in which the rules and regulations apply.(c) When a NOTAM has been issued under this section, no person may operate an aircraft, or other device governed by the regulation concerned, within the designated airspace except in accordance with the authorizations, terms, and conditions prescribed in the regulation covered by the NOTAM.
Research Notes
Section 91.139 governs Emergency air traffic rules — the FAA's authority to impose extraordinary restrictions on air traffic when an emergency situation exists or is imminent.
Paragraph (a) — Authority: The Administrator may issue emergency air traffic rules to assure the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace during emergency conditions. These rules supersede ordinary operating rules for the duration of the emergency.
What this looks like in practice: Major events that generate emergency air traffic rules include national security situations (9/11 grounding of all U.S. flights under SCATANA, the 2001 ground stop), large-scale natural disasters (hurricane, earthquake), major incidents at airports requiring extended closures, and certain national defense exercises. The rules are issued as NOTAMs and may completely restrict operations, define mandatory rerouting, or impose unusual altitude restrictions.
Paragraph (b) — Compliance: Each person required to comply with these rules must comply.
Paragraph (c) — Duration: Emergency rules remain in effect only during the period necessary to deal with the emergency.
Operational implications: When an emergency air traffic rule is issued, the FAA's NOTAM system is the primary channel. EFB applications relay the NOTAMs. Pilots should monitor the FAA NOTAM Search website and aviation-safety information channels during periods of national or regional emergency.
Reference: FAA NOTAM Resources; FAA Order 7110.65 on emergency procedures.
Amendment History
Amendment History Coming Soon
Every time this regulation changes, we'll record it here — the date, what was amended, and a plain-English summary of what shifted.