VFR publication buying help

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a VFR sectional chart and what does it show?

A VFR sectional chart is the FAA's standard map for visual navigation, drawn at a 1:500,000 scale. It shows terrain and elevation, airports, airspace boundaries by class, navigation aids, obstructions, and visual landmarks, giving slow to medium speed pilots the information needed to plan and fly a cross-country route under visual flight rules.

How often are FAA sectional charts and Chart Supplements updated?

FAA VFR charts and Chart Supplements are revised on a 56-day cycle. Each edition prints an effective date and an expiration date, and a new edition replaces it when that range ends. Pilots should fly the current edition and replace charts as they expire so airspace, frequency, and obstruction data stays accurate.

What is the FAA Chart Supplement (formerly the Airport/Facility Directory)?

The FAA Chart Supplement is the renamed Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD), a regional reference book of airport and facility data. It lists public-use and joint-use airports, seaplane bases, heliports, VFR airport sketches, NAVAIDs, communications frequencies, runway and lighting details, and available services, organized by geographic region.

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

A sectional chart covers a large area at a 1:500,000 scale for general VFR navigation, while a terminal area chart covers a major airport's Class B airspace at a more detailed 1:250,000 scale. The TAC shows the same kind of information as the sectional but with much greater detail for busy metro operations.

What does a blue versus magenta airport symbol mean on a sectional?

On a VFR sectional, a blue airport symbol marks an airport with an operating control tower, while a magenta symbol marks a non-towered airport. The color coding lets pilots tell at a glance whether two-way radio communication with a tower is required before operating at that field.

Do I still need paper charts if I use ForeFlight or an EFB?

Many pilots fly with an electronic flight bag, but a current paper sectional remains a valuable backup if a tablet overheats, loses power, or fails in flight. Carrying a current chart and a kneeboard keeps essential navigation information available regardless of whether your device is working.