What is a "NOTAM" primarily used for?

A "NOTAM," or Notice to Airmen, is primarily used to convey information pertinent to aviation safety. These notices are critical for informing pilots and flight personnel about changes or anomalies in the aviation environment that could affect the safety of flights. This includes information on runway closures, airspace restrictions, hazardous weather conditions, and other factors that could influence flight operations.

The focus on aviation safety underscores the purpose of NOTAMs as they ensure that all relevant parties are aware of any conditions that could pose risks to aircraft operations. For instance, if a runway is temporarily closed for maintenance, a NOTAM will be issued to alert pilots and ensure their safety during takeoff and landing procedures.

While other options suggest important aspects of flight operations, they do not encapsulate the comprehensive safety focus that NOTAMs represent. Notifications related to maintenance or terminal updates are specific situations and do not capture the broader scope of safety-oriented information that NOTAMs deal with.