DINS Frequently Asked Questions

 
1. What is a Flight Safety (M series) NOTAM?
2. What is an Local (L series) NOTAM?
3. What is an Procedural (V series) NOTAM?
4. What is an DAFIF/NGA (W series) NOTAM?
5. What is an DESC (F series) NOTAM?
6. What is a "X" series NOTAM?
7. Why do "GPS" NOTAMs periodically display on locations?
8. What is the primary website to CCR NOTAMs?
9. What is the secondary website to CCR NOTAMs?
10. What do I do if I can't access the primary and secondary website to CCR NOTAMs?
11. How do I verify if I have a valid certificate?
12. How do I back up my DINS certificate?
13. How do I request a DINS certificate?
14. How do I install a DINS certificate?
15. Can I send NOTAMs in Microsoft IE if I already have a valid certificate in Firefox?
16. Is certificate sharing still authorized?
17. How far in advance can I transmit a NOTAM?
18. How long can a NOTAM be issued for?
19. What is a NOTAM Authority/Accountability?
20. How long are DINS certificates valid for?
21. Can a location have multiple certificates?
22. What is a Q-Code?
23. Do I have to derive a Q-Code or can I just use QXXXX?
24. Where is the US NOTAM Office located?
25. What is the responsibility of the DoD NOTAM Military Coordinators verse the FAA Specialists?
26. What version of Firefox or Microsoft IE do I need to access DINS?
27. Can you put a NOTAM in for me?
28. Who can have a DINS certificate?
29. Who can be a backup facility?
30. Do you have an example of an LOA/MOA?
 
1. What is a Flight Safety (M series) NOTAM? Top
A flight safety NOTAM is aeronautical information that could affect a pilot's decision to make a flight. It includes such information as airport or primary runway closures, changes in the status of navigational aids, ILSs, radar service availability, and other information essential to planned enroute, terminal, or landing operations. REF: AFI 11-208i, 4.2.1.3.
2. What is an Local (L series) NOTAM? Top
Local NOTAMs are non-critical and non-safety related information that is essential for the flying and support communities to know. Facility managers may establish the parameters for local NOTAM determination. REF: AFI 11-208i, 4.2.1.2.
3. What is an Procedural (V series) NOTAM? Top
NOTAM information pertaining to a location's published instrument procedures, i.e., Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAPs), Standard Instrument Departure (SIDs), Departure Procedures (DPs). These NOTAMs shall be published under the direction of TERPS personnel. REF: AFI 11-208i, 4.2.1.4.
4. What is an DAFIF/NGA (W series) NOTAM? Top
NOTAMs, which pertain to chart or FLIP changes to the DoD FLIP products. REF: AFI 11-208i, 4.2.1.5.
5. What is an DESC (F series) NOTAM? Top
Defense Logistics Agency Energy Advisory (formerly Defense Energy Support Center) issues Series F NOTAMs for OCONUS locations when a determination is made that a specific fuel is prohibited; is not consumable by DoD and specific US government agencies, or is approved for use. REF: AFI 11-208i, 4.2.1.1.
6. What is a "X" series NOTAM? Top
Designates that a NOTAM was issued by a DoD NOTAM coordinator at the U.S. NOTAM Office.
7. Why do "GPS" NOTAMs periodically display on locations? Top
GPS availability NOTAMs appear under location identifiers whether a GPS approach is currently available or not. These NOTAMs are computer generated to select military facilities within the coverage area of a given satellite system outage. Therefore, lack of a GPS Non Precision Approach Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring Not Available (NPA RAIM NA) notice for a nearby civil airfield does not necessarily mean GPS RAIM will be available. GPS NOTAMs are self-canceling so no action is required on this NOTAM from airfield management or flight planning personnel. REF: AFI 11-208i, 5.4.
8. What is the primary website to CCR NOTAMs? Top
https://www.dinsccr.notams.jcs.mil
9. What is the secondary website to CCR NOTAMs? Top
https://www.dinsccr.notams.faa.gov
10. What do I do if I can't access the primary and secondary website to CCR NOTAMs? Top
  1. Determine whether or not the base network is down or operating.
  2. Ensure you are using the correct browser and that you have a valid certificate.
  3. Determine if your problem involves DINS web sites only (If so, contact the DoD NOTAM military coordinators).
  4. Try both the primary and secondary site addresses and secondary computers to access the system.
  5. Contact the base communication help desk to ensure the base's firewall settings haven't been modified.
  6. If still unable to connect to the DINS, units may coordinate with any other capable facility to process their NOTAM(s), but must provide their user name and password to the facility that is to transmit the NOTAM. If a username/password is compromised, units should consider creating a new password.
  7. Units with established ISP accounts should use the non-LAN dependant computer to connect to the DINS.
  8. Units should contact the NOTAM office to seek resolution when all other attempts at fixing processing difficulties are exhausted.
     REF: AFI 11-208i, 3.3.5.
11. How do I verify if I have a valid certificate? Top
For Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or 7:
- Within the "Tools" menu item, select "Internet Options". Select the "Content" tab. Select the "Certificates" button. If you have a DINS certificate correctly installed, it will appear under the "Personal" tab. Check the "Expiration" column to validate that the certificate is still current.

For Mozilla Firefox 3:
- Within the "Tools" menu item, select "Options". Select the "Advanced" icon. On the "Encryption" tab, select the "View Certificates" button. If you have a DINS certificate correctly installed, it will appear under the "Your Certificates" tab. Check the "Expires On" column to validate that the certificate is still current.
12. How do I back up my DINS certificate? Top
Each browser has different procedures for backing up and importing certificates.
For Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or 7:
- Within the "Tools" menu item, select "Internet Options". Select the "Content" tab. Select the "Certificates" button. Select your DINS certificate on the "Personal" tab. Select the "Export" button. Select the "Next" button on the Export Wizard. Select the "Yes, export the private key" option and the "Next" button. Select the "Personal Information Exchange..." option, the "Enable strong protection..." option, and the "Next" button. Enter a password of your choice in the "Password" and "Confirm password" text boxes and select the "Next" button. NOTE: The password you select will be required for any subsequent imports of this certificate - Protect this password as you would do for any system account you have. Select the "Browse" button on the "File to Export" page. Select a directory to which you have write authorization, enter a file name in the "File name" text box, and select the "Save" button. Select the "Next" button on the "File to Export" page. Verify the specifications and select the "Finish" button. If your existing certificate is protected with a password in IE, you will be prompted to enter it now. You will receive a message indicating, "The export was successful" and you can select the "OK" button.

For Mozilla Firefox 3:
- Within the "Tools" menu item, select "Options". Select the "Advanced" icon. On the "Encryption" tab, select the "View Certificates" button. Select your DINS certificate on the "Your Certificates" tab. Select the "Backup" button. Navigate to a directory to which you have write authorization, enter a file name in the "File name" text box, and select the "Save" button. If your existing certificate is protected with a password in Firefox, you will be prompted to enter it now and select the "OK" button. Enter a password of your choice in the "Certificate backup password" and "Certificate backup password (again)" text boxes and select the "OK" button. NOTE: The password you select will be required for any subsequent imports of this certificate - Protect this password as you would do for any system account you have. You will receive a message indicating, "Successfully backed up ..." and you can select the "OK" button.
13. How do I request a DINS certificate? Top
Access the (primary) https://www.notams.jcs.mil or (secondary) https://www.notams.faa.gov web site and select the "Request or Install DINS Certificates" link. Select the "Request Certificate (User)" link. Select the "Request Certificate" link. Select the "Request Certificate - User" link. Complete the User Enrollment page and select the "Submit" button at the bottom. A Request ID will be displayed; make a note of this number. When the request is approved, an e-mail is sent to the address entered on the form. You may contact the US NOTAM Office for detailed instructions or see the next question, "How do I install a DINS certificate".
14. How do I install a DINS certificate? Top
Access the DINS certificate site (https://dinscert.notams.jcs.mil) and select the "Request Certificate (User)" link. Select the "Request Status Check" link. Enter the Request ID provided after submitting the Enrollment form previously. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select the "Import Certificate" link. Depending on your web browser settings, you will see a "File Download" dialog with "Open", "Save", and "Cancel" or "Save" and "Cancel" buttons. Select the "Open" (preferred) or "Save" button. The "Open" button will invoke the installation dialog. The "Save" button will require you to save the file, then double-click it to invoke the installation dialog.
15. Can I send NOTAMs in Microsoft IE if I already have a valid certificate in Firefox? Top
It is possible, if the certificate and corresponding private key have been exported from Firefox and imported to IE. However, it is recommended that a certificate request and installation be done using the specific browser that will be used to access DINS.
16. Is certificate sharing still authorized? Top
Yes. Certificates may be shared by exporting and importing the certificate to each profile.
17. How far in advance can I transmit a NOTAM? Top
New policy authorizes NOTAMs to be transmitted 7-days in advance. (Increase from a 3-day restriction) However, the FAA domestic system restriction of 3-days remains effective.
18. How long can a NOTAM be issued for? Top
Never allow NOTAMs to remain in the system for more than 90 days at a given time. When conditions warrant a longer period, a revised NOTAM shall be submitted or FLIP product publication considered. NOTAMs in the system beyond 180 days may be removed by the DoD NOTAM coordinators, if deemed appropriate, and after coordination with affected unit. REF: AFI 11-208i, 2.3.1.
19. What is a NOTAM Authority/Accountability? Top
A NOTAM Accountability is the agency identified by an ICAO that is responsible for transmitting a particular NOTAM series against a location. [For example: A typical Base Operations or AMOPS (identified by the locations ICAO) has the option of transmitting an "M" and "L" series NOTAM. However, some bases may have the authorization to transmit an "V" series NOTAM if there is no designated TERPS agency transmitting "V" series NOTAMs against that particular location.]
20. How long are DINS certificates valid for? Top
One year from the certificate's date of approval.
21. Can a location have multiple certificates? Top
Yes. The NOTAM Office recommends each base have multiple certificates, staggering their valid dates. Also, each assigned individual may have their own certificate.
22. What is a Q-Code? Top
The Q-Code is a five-letter code that translates the unique NOTAM condition into plain language, thereby saving transmission time over telecommunication channels and standardizing condition text. The first letter is always "Q". The second and third letters identify the equipment, facility, subject or component reported upon. The fourth and fifth letters denote the status or condition of operation. REF: AFI 11-208i, 4.3.1.
23. Do I have to derive a Q-Code or can I just use QXXXX? Top
If a Q-Code exists for a specific condition being addressed in a Flight Safety NOTAM, use it. REF: AFI 11-208i, 2.3.5. Do not use QXXXX without the consent of the military NOTAM coordinators. REF: AFI 11-208i, 4.3.4 and 2.3.5.
24. Where is the US NOTAM Office located? Top
Within the Air Traffic System Command Center, Warrenton VA
25. What is the responsibility of the DoD NOTAM Military Coordinators verse the FAA Specialists? Top
The Military Coordinators are responsible for daily operations of the military NOTAM database management and information distribution systems, ensuring data integrity and standardization. Approves all NOTAM certificate requests and creates user accounts and passwords. Develops and maintains all military aeronautical distribution systems, ensuring data integrity and standardization. Develops and maintains all military aeronautical information distribution tables covering 11,000 locations worldwide. Serves as military liaison with FAA offices tasked with meeting DoD NOTAM requirements. Monitors contractor performance and expenditures impacting the joint civil/military NOTAM system. Conducts site visits to DoD flight operations centers and international NOTAM offices to identify and resolve military NOTAM procedural problems and data transmission problems.

The FAA Specialists are responsible for managing the civilian issues of the NOTAM system.
26. What version of Firefox or Microsoft IE do I need to access DINS? Top
For Microsoft Internet Explorer, version 6 or 7.
For Mozilla Firefox, version 3.
27. Can you put a NOTAM in for me? Top
The Military NOTAM Coordinators and FAA Specialists physically have the capability to transmit NOTAMs; however, our office is your last resort for doing so. Each base is responsible for implementing backup procedures defined in AFI 11-208i 3.3.5. So, with that said, our first response is going to "trouble-shoot" why you can not transmit NOTAMs.
28. Who can have a DINS certificate? Top
Any NOTAM authority with a ".mil" and/or ".gov" email address.
29. Who can be a backup facility? Top
Any base that is a NOTAM authority.
30. Do you have an example of an LOA/MOA? Top
Official letterhead with the body similar to the below example: 1. Purpose: The purpose of this letter agreement is to establish procedures for Seymour-Johnson AFB and Langley AFB, Airfield Management Operations to transmit NOTAMs for each other in the case the Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer goes down for a period of time on either end. 2. Air Force Instruction: AFI 11-208i, Chapter 3, para 3.3.5.6. 3. Policy: This agreement allows Langley and Seymour-Johnson Airfield Management Operations to call one another via DSN for transmission of NOTAMs when the Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer goes down on either end. Each base is responsible for the NOTAM, including cancellation, and each base should accomplish appropriate coordination/notification form. Upon receipt, the comeback copy will be faxed to the other (NOTAM-originating) Airfield Management Operations. (Langley AFB FAX: 574-3605, Seymour-Johnson AFB FAX: 722-4100). 4. This agreement will be effective until further notice or until both parties mutually agree to terminate this agreement. 5. This letter supersedes all previous letters, same subject. Note: Include both approval authorities' signature blocks at the bottom of the LOA/MOA.