FAA chart buying help

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an FAA aeronautical chart?

An FAA aeronautical chart is an official, government-published map pilots use to navigate and plan flights. VFR charts such as sectionals show terrain, airports, and airspace for visual flight, while IFR charts show airways, fixes, and procedures for instrument flight. Both are produced by the FAA's authorized chart maker.

What is the difference between a sectional chart and a terminal area chart?

A sectional chart is printed at 1:500,000 scale and covers a large region for general VFR navigation. A terminal area chart, or TAC, is printed at 1:250,000 scale, so it shows twice the detail over the busy Class B airspace around a major airport, making it easier to fly complex arrival and departure corridors.

How often are FAA sectional charts updated?

FAA VFR charts, including sectionals and terminal area charts, publish on a 56-day cycle that took effect on February 25, 2021. Some Alaska charts follow a longer validity period. Always confirm a chart is current by checking the next effective date printed on its cover before you fly.

What is an FAA Chart Supplement?

The Chart Supplement is the renamed Airport/Facility Directory (AFD). It is a regional booklet, published in seven volumes, that lists runway data, communication and navaid frequencies, fuel and services, and airport diagrams for the airports in its coverage area. It complements the maps you fly with rather than replacing them.

Are paper sectional charts required by the FAA?

For Part 91 flying, the FAA does not require paper charts, and Advisory Circular 91-78A allows an electronic flight bag to fully replace paper. Many pilots still carry current paper charts as a battery-free backup, and examiners often expect them on checkrides. Certain commercial operations have their own charting requirements.

Which sectional chart do I need?

Choose the sectional named for the major city nearest your route, then confirm its coverage reaches your departure, enroute, and destination airports. Longer cross-country flights often cross two or more sectionals, so carry each chart your route touches. For trips into busy metro airspace, add the matching terminal area chart.