Sectional chart buying help

Frequently Asked Questions

What are VFR sectional charts used for?

VFR sectional charts are used for visual navigation under Visual Flight Rules, giving pilots detailed terrain, obstacle, airspace, navaid, and airport information on a single 1:500,000-scale sheet so they can plan and fly a route while staying oriented and clear of controlled airspace.

How often are VFR sectional charts updated?

The FAA revises VFR sectional charts on a 56-day cycle, and the effective dates printed on the cover define the window the chart is current for, so pilots should always fly with the edition that covers the dates of their flight.

Which sectional chart should I buy for my region?

Buy the sectional titled for the major city nearest your route, since each chart is named for a city at its center and covers the surrounding region; a longer cross-country that crosses a chart boundary requires both adjoining sectionals.

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

A sectional chart shows a wide region at 1:500,000 scale for general VFR planning, while a terminal area chart zooms in to 1:250,000 around the busiest Class B airports for finer detail, and many pilots carry both for flights into congested airspace.

Can I use a VFR sectional chart for flight planning?

Yes, the VFR sectional chart is the foundational flight-planning tool for visual navigation, providing the topographic, airspace, and navigational detail needed to build a route, brief the airspace, and maintain situational awareness in flight.