How to File a NOTAM for Launch

Filing a NOTAM:  This needs to be 24 hours in advance, so we need to decide by our planned launch hour. 

You will need the GPS coordinates you intend to launch from, the direct of travel predicted for your flight, the start and end time in UTC, and the maximum altitude you expect to reach.

Call the number (877) 487-6867 and tell them you are filing a NOTAM for an unmanned free balloon. They will ask you for that information. Depending on the person, they may ask for some combination of your name, the organization you represent, and your initials.

They want time in Zulu time (UTC). They want max altitude in terms of flight level. They used to require the location in terms of heading and distance w.r.t the nearest airport, but every time so far, they have been ok with taking it in decimal degrees, and determining that information themselves.

They will give you a NOTAM number and their initials.