Emergency air traffic rules

This regulation establishes how the FAA can impose emergency air traffic rules when the air traffic control system faces serious disruptions that prevent safe normal operations.

When the Administrator determines an emergency exists affecting ATC operations, the FAA can issue immediate emergency rules and announce them through the NOTAM system. These emergency situations might include things like major system outages, natural disasters affecting ATC facilities, or other events that compromise the ability to manage air traffic safely.

Once such a NOTAM is issued, you must comply with whatever restrictions, procedures, or conditions it specifies when operating in the designated airspace. You cannot fly in that airspace except as the emergency NOTAM permits.

In practice, this means checking NOTAMs isn't just about runway closures—emergency NOTAMs under this regulation can impose significant operational restrictions you're legally required to follow. These are binding rules, not advisories.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*