INTRODUCTIONThis Chart User's Guide is an introduction to the Federal Aviation Administration's ( FAA) aeronautical charts and publications. It is useful to new pilots as a learning aid, and to experienced pilots as a quick reference guide.The FAA is the source for all data and information utilized in the publishing of aeronautical charts through authorized publishers for each stage of Visual Flight Rules ( VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules ( IFR) air navigation including training, planning, and departures, enroute (for low and high altitudes), approaches, and taxiing charts. Digital charts are available online at:. VFR Charts -. IFR Enroute Charts -.

1. Ifr Supplement Pdf

Terminal Procedures Publication -. Chart Supplement -Paper copies of the charts are available through an FAA Approved Print Provider. A complete list of current providers is available atThe FAA Aeronautical Information Manual ( AIM) Pilot/Controller Glossary defines in detail, all terms and abbreviations used throughout this publication. Unless otherwise indicated, miles are nautical miles ( NM), altitudes indicate feet above Mean Sea Level ( MSL), and times used are Coordinated Universal Time ( UTC).The Notices to Airmen Publication ( NOTAM) includes current Flight Data Center ( FDC) NOTAMs. NOTAMs alert pilots of new regulatory requirements and reflect changes to Standard Instrument Approach Procedures ( SIAPs), flight restrictions, and aeronautical chart revisions.

This publication is prepared every 28 days by the FAA, and is available by subscription from the Government Printing Office. For more information on subscribing or to access online PDF copy,In addition to NOTAMs, the Chart Supplement and the page of the Aeronautical Information Services website are also useful to pilots. KEEP YOUR CHARTS CURRENTAeronautical information changes rapidly, so it is important that pilots check the effective dates on each aeronautical chart and publication. To avoid danger, it is important to always use current editions and discard obsolete charts and publications.To confirm that a chart or publication is current, refer to the next scheduled edition date printed on the cover. Pilots should also check and for important updates between chart and publication cycles that are essential for safe flight.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF CHART USERS GUIDE AND UPDATESAll information in this guide is effective as of 15 August 2019. All graphics used in this guide are for educational purposes. Chart symbology may not be to scale. Please do not use them for flight navigation.The Chart User's Guide is updated as necessary when there is new chart symbology or changes in the depiction of information and/or symbols on the charts.

When there are changes, it will be published in accordance with the 56-day aeronautical chart product schedule. COLOR VARIATIONAlthough the digital chart files are compiled in accordance with charting specifications, the final product may vary slightly in appearance due to differences in printing techniques/processes and/or digital display techniques.

REPORTING CHART DISCREPANCIESYour experience as a pilot is valuable and your feedback is important. We make every effort to display accurate information on all FAA charts and publications, so we appreciate your input. Please notify us concerning any requests for changes, or potential discrepancies you see while using our charts and related products.FAA, Aeronautical Information Services1305 East-West HighwaySSMC4, Room 3424Silver Spring, MD Telephone Toll-Free 1-800-638-8972Aeronautical Inquiries: DOWNLOADABLE EDITION (PDF)For reference purposes the 15 August 2019 Edition of the Aeronautical Chart User's Guide is available in a PDF format for download. Due to the large file size we recommend that you use a broadband Internet connection to reduce the download time.( PDF, 12.4 MB)The PDF version of the Chart User's Guide is the preferred version if you are planning to print out materials from the Chart User's Guide. Printer outputs of the online edition will vary depending upon browser type, viewing settings, printer driver settings and printer type.

DOWNLOADABLE VISUAL CHARTING PRODUCTS EDITION (PDF)For reference purposes the 15 August 2019 Edition of the Aeronautical Chart User's Guide is available in a PDF format for download. Due to the large file size we recommend that you use a broadband Internet connection to reduce the download time.( PDF, 5.8 MB)The PDF version of the Chart User's Guide is the preferred version if you are planning to print out materials from the Chart User's Guide. Printer outputs of the online edition will vary depending upon browser type, viewing settings, printer driver settings and printer type.

EXPLANATION OF VFR TERMS AND SYMBOLSThe chart legend includes aeronautical symbols and information about drainage, terrain, the contour of the land, and elevation. You can learn to identify aeronautical, topographical, and obstruction symbols (such as radio and television towers) by using the legend.A brief description next to a small black square indicates the exact location for many of the landmarks easily recognized from the air, such as stadiums, pumping stations, refineries, etc. A small black open circle with descriptive type indicates oil, gas or mineral wells. A small black circle with descriptive type indicates water, oil or gas tanks.

The scale for some items may be increased to make them easier to read on the chart.Aeronautical Information Services' charts are prepared in accordance with specifications of the Interagency Air Committee ( IAC) and are approved by representatives of the Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA) and the Department of Defense ( DoD).WATER FEATURES (HYDROGRAPHY)Water features are depicted using two tones of blue, and are considered either 'Open Water' or 'Inland Water.' 'Open Water,' a lighter blue tone, shows the shoreline limitations of all coastal water features at the average (mean) high water levels for oceans and seas. Light blue also represents the connecting waters like bays, gulfs, sounds and large estuaries.Exceptionally large lakes like the Great Lakes, Great Salt Lake, and Lake Okeechobee, etc., are considered Open Water features.

The Open Water tone extends inland as far as necessary to adjoin the darker blue 'Inland Water' tones. All other bodies of water are marked as 'Inland Water' in the darker blue tone. LAND FEATURES (TERRAIN) AND OBSTRUCTIONSThe elevation and configuration of the Earth's surface is important to pilots. Our Aeronautical Information Specialists are devoted to showing the contour of the earth and any obstructions clearly and accurately on our charts. We use five different techniques: contour lines, shaded relief, color tints, obstruction symbols, and Maximum Elevation Figures ( MEF).1. Contour lines join points of equal elevation. On Sectionals, basic contours are spaced at 500 ' intervals.

Intermediate contours are typically at 250 ' intervals in moderately level or gently rolling areas. Auxiliary contours at 50 ', 100 ', 125 ', or 150 ' intervals occasionally show smaller relief features in areas of relatively low relief. The pattern of these lines and their spacing gives the pilot a visual concept of the terrain. Widely spaced contours represent gentle slopes, while closely spaced contours represent steep slopes.2. Shaded relief shows how terrain may appear from the air.

Shadows are shown as if light is coming from the northwest, because studies have shown that our visual perception has been conditioned to this view.3. Different color tints show bands of elevation relative to sea level.

These colors range from light green for the lower elevations, to dark brown for the higher elevations.4. Obstruction symbols show man made vertical features that could affect safe navigation. FAA's Aeronautical Information Manual ( AIM) maintains a database of obstacles in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico and U.S. Pacific Island Territories. Aeronautical Specialists evaluate each obstacle based on charting specifications before adding it to a visual chart. When a Specialist is not able to verify the position or elevation of an obstacle, it is marked UC, meaning it is 'under construction' or being reported, but has not been verified.The FAA uses a Digital Obstacle File ( DOF) to collect and disseminate data.

Because land and obstructions frequently change, the source data on obstructions and terrain is occasionally incomplete or not accurate enough for use in aeronautical publications. For example, when the FAA receives notification about an obstruction, and there is insufficient detail to determine its position and elevation, the FAA Flight Edit Program conducts an investigation.The Flight Edit crew visually verifies the cultural, topographic, and obstacle data. Charts are generally flight-checked every four years. This review includes checking for any obstruction that has been recently built, altered, or dismantled without proper notification.Sectional Charts, Terminal Area ( TACs) and Caribbean Charts ( CACs) typically show manmade obstacles extending more than 200 ' Above Ground Level ( AGL), or more than 299 ' AGL in yellow city tint. Features considered to be hazardous obstacles to low-level flight are; smokestacks, tanks, factories, lookout towers, and antennas, etc.Manmade features used by FAA Air Traffic Control as checkpoints use a graphic symbol shown in black with the required elevation data in blue. The elevation of the top of the obstacle above Mean Sea Level ( MSL) and the height of the structure ( AGL) is also indicated (when known or can be reliably determined by a Specialist). The AGL height is in parentheses below the MSL elevation.

Ifr Supplement Pdf

In extremely congested areas, the FAA typically omits the AGL values to avoid confusion.Whenever possible, the FAA depicts specific obstacles on charts. However, in high-density areas like city complexes, only the highest obstacle is represented on the chart using the group obstacle symbol to maximize legibility.Obstacles under construction are indicated by placing the letters UC adjacent to the obstacle type.Obstacles with high-intensity strobe lighting systems may operate part-time or by proximity activation and are shown as follows:5. The Maximum Elevation Figure ( MEF) represents the highest elevation within a quadrant, including terrain and other vertical obstacles (towers, trees, etc.). A quadrant on Sectionals is the area bounded by ticked lines dividing each 30 minutes of latitude and each 30 minutes of longitude. MEF figures are rounded up to the nearest 100 ' value and the last two digits of the number are not shown.MEFs over land and open water areas are used in areas containing manmade obstacles such as oil rigs.In the determination of MEFs, the FAA uses extreme care to calculate the values based on the existing elevation data shown on source material. Aeronautical Information Specialists use the following procedure to calculate MEFs:MEF - Manmade ObstacleWhen a manmade obstacle is more than 200 ' above the highest terrain within the quadrant: 1.

Determine the elevation of the top of the obstacle above MSL.2. Add the possible vertical error of the source material to the above figure (100 ' or 1/2 contour interval when interval on source exceeds 200 '. Geological Survey Quadrangle Maps with contour intervals as small as 10 ' are normally used).3. Round the resultant figure up to the next higher hundred-foot level.Example:Elevation of obstacle top ( MSL)2649Possible obstacle error+100equals2749Raise to the following 100 ' level2800Maximum Elevation Figure (MEF)MEF - Natural Terrain Feature or Natural Vertical ObstacleWhen a natural terrain feature or natural vertical obstacle (e.g. A tree) is the highest feature within the quadrangle:1. Determine the elevation of the feature.2.

Add the possible vertical error of the source to the above figure (100 ' or 1/2 the contour interval when interval on source exceeds 200 ').3. Add a 200 ' allowance for uncharted natural or manmade obstacles. Chart specifications don't require the portrayal of obstacles below minimum height.4. Round the figure up to the next higher hundred-foot level.Example:Elevation of obstacle top ( MSL)13161Possible vertical error+100Obstacle Allowance+200equals13461Raise to the following 100 ' level13500Maximum Elevation Figure (MEF)Pilots should be aware that while the MEF is based on the best information available to the Specialist, the figures are not verified by field surveys. Also, users should consult the Aeronautical Chart Bulletin in the Chart Supplement or Aeronautical Information Services website to ensure that your chart has the latest MEF data available.RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATIONOn VFR Charts, information about radio aids to navigation ( NAVAID) is boxed, as illustrated. Duplication of data is avoided. When two or more radio aids in a general area have the same name with different frequencies, Tactical Air Navigation ( TACAN) channel numbers, or identification letters, and no misinterpretation can result, the name of the radio aid may be indicated only once within the identification box.

Very High Frequency/Ultra High Frequency ( VHF/ UHF) Navigation Aid ( NAVAID) names and identification boxes (shown in blue) take precedence. Only those items that differ (e.g., frequency, Morse Code) are repeated in the box in the appropriate color. The choice of separate or combined boxes is made in each case on the basis of economy of space and clear identification of the radio aids.A NAVAID that is physically located on an airport may not always be represented as a typical NAVAID symbol.GENERAL INFORMATIONThe symbols shown in this section illustrate those that appear in the Sectional Aeronautical Charts (Sectionals) and Terminal Area Charts ( TACs). The same symbology is utilized in VFR Flyway Planning Charts, Helicopter Route Charts and Caribbean Aeronautical Charts ( CACs), however the scale of the symbols may be different due to the particular chart scales. Where symbology is distinctive to a given chart, examples and explanations are given in the additional examples.VFR AERONAUTICAL CHARTS Airports LANDPLANE:CIVILAirports having control towers ( CT) are shown in blue, all others are shown in magenta.All recognizable runways, including some which may be closed, are shown for visual identification purposes.

VFR FLYWAY PLANNING CHARTSGENERAL INFORMATIONVFR Flyway Planning Charts are printed on the reverse sides of the Baltimore-Washington, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Denver/Colorado Springs, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, New Orleans, Phoenix, St. Louis, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle Terminal Area Charts (TACs). The scale is 1:250,000, with area of coverage the same as the associated TACs. Flyway Planning Charts depict flight paths and altitudes recommended for use to by-pass areas heavily traversed by large turbine-powered aircraft. Ground references on these charts provide a guide for visual orientation. VFR Flyway Planning charts are designed for use in conjunction with TACs and are not to be used for navigation.Airports LANDPLANENo distinction is made between airports with fuel and those without fuel.

Runways may be exaggerated to clearly portray the pattern. Hard-surfaced runways which are closed but still exist are included in the charted pattern.FAR 91 - Fixed wing special VFR operations prohibited.LANDPLANE(continued)( Pvt): Non-public use having emergency or landmark value. 'OBJECTIONABLE': This airport may adversely affect airspace use.ABANDONED - Depicted for landmark value or to prevent confusion with an adjacent usable landing area. Only portrayed beneath or close to the VFR flyway routes or requested by the FAA. HELICOPTER ROUTE CHARTSGENERAL INFORMATIONHelicopter Route Charts are three-color charts that depict current aeronautical information useful to helicopter pilots navigating in areas with high concentrations of helicopter activity. Information depicted includes helicopter routes, four classes of heliports with associated frequency and lighting capabilities, NAVAIDS, and obstructions.

In addition, pictorial symbols, roads, and easily-identified geographical features are portrayed. The scale is 1:125,000. These charts are updated every three years or as needed to accommodate major changes.HELICOPTER ROUTE CHARTS Airports LANDPLANEAll recognizable runways, including some which may be closed, are shown for visual identification.PublicPrivateUnverifiedAbandonedHELIPORTHeliports public and privateHospital HelipadsTrauma CenterHelipads located at major airports(when requested)SEAPLANEULTRALIGHTFLIGHT PARKAIRPORT DATA GROUPINGBoxed airport name indicates airport for which a Special Traffic Rule has been established.( Pvt): Non-public use having emergency or landmark value.'

OBJECTIONABLE': This airport may adversely affect airspace use.Flight Service Station on fieldAirspace where fixed wing special visual flight rules operations are prohibited (shown above airport name) FAR 91Indicates FAR 93 Special Air Traffic Rules and Airport TrafficLocation IdentifierICAO Location IdentifierControl Tower ( CT) - primary frequencyStar indicates operation part-time. DOWNLOADABLE IFR ENROUTE CHARTING PRODUCTS EDITION (PDF)For reference purposes the 15 August 2019 Edition of the Aeronautical Chart User's Guide is available in a PDF format for download.

Due to the large file size we recommend that you use a broadband Internet connection to reduce the download time.( PDF, 4.7 MB)The PDF version of the Chart User's Guide is the preferred version if you are planning to print out materials from the Chart User's Guide. Printer outputs of the online edition will vary depending upon browser type, viewing settings, printer driver settings and printer type. EXPLANATION OF IFR ENROUTE TERMS AND SYMBOLSThe explanations of symbols used on Instrument Flight Rule ( IFR) Enroute Charts and examples in this section are based primarily on the IFR Enroute Low Altitude Charts. Other IFR products use similar symbols in various colors. The chart legends portray aeronautical symbols with a brief description of what each symbol depicts.

This section provides more details of the symbols and how they are used on IFR Enroute charts.AIRPORTSActive airports are shown on IFR Enroute Charts.Low Charts:. All IAP Airports are shown on the Low Altitude Charts (US and Alaska). Non- IAP Airports are shown on the U.S. Low Altitude Charts (Contiguous US) have a minimum hard surface runway of 3,000'. Non- IAP airports are shown on the U.S. Low Altitude Alaska Charts are show if the runway is 3000' or longer, hard or soft surface.

Public heliports with an Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP) or requested by the FAA or DoD are depicted on the IFR Enroute Low Altitude Charts. Seaplane bases requested by the FAA or DoD are depicted on the IFR Enroute Low Altitude Charts.On IFR Enroute Low Altitude Charts, airport tabulation is provided which identifies airport names, IDs and the panels they are located on.High Charts:. Airports shown on the U.S. High Enroute Charts (Contiguous US) have a minimum hard surface runway of 5000'. Airports shown on the U.S. High Enroute Alaska Charts have a minimum hard surface runway of 4000'.Charted airports are classified according to the following criteria:Blue - Airports with an Instrument Approach Procedure and/or RADAR MINIMA published in the high altitude DoD Flight Information Publications (FLIPs)Green - Airports which have an approved Instrument Approach Procedure and/or RADAR MINIMA published in either the U.S. Terminal Procedures Publications (TPPs) or the DoD FLIPsBrown - Airports without a published Instrument Approach Procedure or RADAR MINIMA Airports are plotted at their true geographic position.Airports are identified by the airport name.

Airports AIRPORT DATA - LOW/HIGH ALTITUDECIVILCharts: HIGH/LOWSEAPLANE - CIVILCharts: LOWCIVIL AND MILITARYCharts: HIGH/LOWHELIPORTCharts: LOWMILITARYCharts: HIGH/LOWEMERGENCY USE ONLYFacilities in BLUE or GREEN have an approved Instrument Approach Procedure and/or RADAR MINIMA published in either the FAA Terminal Procedures Publication or the DoD FLIPs. Those in BLUE have an Instrument Approach Procedure and/or RADAR MINIMA published at least in the High Altitude DoD FLIPs. Facilities in BROWN do not have a published Instrument Procedure or RADAR MINIMA.All IAP Airports are shown on the Low Altitude Charts.Non- IAP Airports shown on the U.S. Low Altitude Charts have a minimum hard surface runway of 3000 '.Airports shown on the U.S. High Altitude Charts have a minimum hard surface runway of 5000 '.Airports shown on the Alaska High Altitude Charts have a minimum hard or soft surface runway of 4000 '.Associated city names for public airports are shown above or preceding the airport name and city name are the same only the airport name is shown.

City names for military and private airports are not shown.The airport identifier in parentheses follows the airport name or Pvt.Pvt - Private UseAIRPORT DATA DEPICTIONLow Altitude1. Airport elevation given in feet above or below mean sea level2. Pvt - Private use, not available to general public3. A solid line box enclosed the airport name indicates FAR 93 Special Requirements - see Directory/Supplement4. 'NO SVFR' above the airport name indicates FAR 91 fixed-wing special VFR flight is prohibited.5. Or following the airport identifier indicates Class C or Class D Airspace6.

Associated city names for public airports are shown above or preceding the airport name. If airport name and city name are the same, only the airport name is shown. The airport identifier in parentheses follows the airport name. City names for military and private airports are not shown.7. Airport Ident ICAO Location Indicator shown outside contiguous U.S.8. AFIS Alaska onlyHigh Altitude - U.S.High Altitude - AlaskaLIGHTING CAPABILITYLighting AvailablePilot Controlled LightingPart-time or on requestNo lighting availableAt private facilities- indicates no lighting information is availableRadio Aids to Navigation NAVAIDSVORVOR/ DMETACANVORTACDMENDBNDB/ DMEReporting FunctionNon Compulsory Reporting or Off AirwayCompulsory ReportingNote: VHF/ UHF is depicted in Black.

LF/ MF is depicted in Brown. DOWNLOADABLE TERMINAL PROCEDURE CHARTING PRODUCTS EDITION (PDF)For reference purposes the 15 August 2019 Edition of the Aeronautical Chart User's Guide is available in a PDF format for download. Due to the large file size we recommend that you use a broadband Internet connection to reduce the download time.( PDF, 3.5 MB)The PDF version of the Chart User's Guide is the preferred version if you are planning to print out materials from the Chart User's Guide. Printer outputs of the online edition will vary depending upon browser type, viewing settings, printer driver settings and printer type. EXPLANATION OF TPP TERMS AND SYMBOLSThe information and examples in this section are based primarily on the IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) Terminal Procedures Publication ( TPP). The publication legends list aeronautical symbols with a brief description of what each symbol depicts.