ICAO 8126 PDF

Scope and type of information 

The information handled by an AIS may vary widely in terms of the duration of its applicability. For example, information related to airports and its facilities may remain valid for many years while changes in the availability of those facilities (for instance, due to construction or repair) will only be valid for a relatively short period of time. Information may be valid for as short a time as days or hours.

The urgency attached to information may also vary, as well as the extent of its applicability in terms of the number of operators or types of operations affected by it. Information may be lengthy or concise or include graphics.

Therefore, aeronautical information is handled differently depending on its urgency, operational significance, scope, volume and the length of time it will remain valid and relevant to users. Annex 15 specifies that aeronautical information be published as an Integrated Aeronautical Information Package. It is composed of the following elements: the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), including amendment service, AIP Supplements, NOTAM, pre-flight information bulletins (PIB), Aeronautical Information Circulars (AIC), checklists and lists of valid NOTAM. Each element is used to distribute specific types of aeronautical information.