Aeronautical Chart User's Guide (Chart Guide)
The FAA Aeronautical Chart User's Guide is a free reference that explains every symbol, color, and annotation found on VFR Sectional Charts, Terminal Area Charts, IFR Enroute Charts, and Instrument Approach Procedure charts. It is essential reading for any pilot learning to interpret aeronautical charts. Download it at no cost from FAA.gov.
Why This Document Matters
This guide is the definitive decoder ring for aeronautical charts. If you have ever stared at a sectional chart and wondered what a particular symbol means — a magenta circle, a blue line, a hatched area — this document has the answer. It covers VFR Sectional Charts, Terminal Area Charts, IFR Enroute Low and High Altitude Charts, Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs), Standard Terminal Arrivals (STARs), and Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP) charts. For student pilots preparing for the knowledge test, the chart symbols section is heavily tested. For instrument students, the IAP chart legend is indispensable.
Chapter-by-Chapter Guide
What each section covers and the key topics to study
1VFR Sectional and Terminal Area Charts
Explains all symbols on sectional charts including airports, airspace boundaries, terrain, obstructions, and navigation aids.
VFR Sectional and Terminal Area Charts
Explains all symbols on sectional charts including airports, airspace boundaries, terrain, obstructions, and navigation aids.
Key Topics
2IFR Enroute Charts
Covers low and high altitude enroute chart symbology including airways, MEAs, fixes, and communication frequencies.
IFR Enroute Charts
Covers low and high altitude enroute chart symbology including airways, MEAs, fixes, and communication frequencies.
Key Topics
3Instrument Approach Procedure Charts
Explains IAP chart layout including plan view, profile view, minimums section, and missed approach instructions.
Instrument Approach Procedure Charts
Explains IAP chart layout including plan view, profile view, minimums section, and missed approach instructions.
Key Topics
4SIDs and STARs
Covers Standard Instrument Departure and Standard Terminal Arrival Route chart interpretation.
SIDs and STARs
Covers Standard Instrument Departure and Standard Terminal Arrival Route chart interpretation.
Key Topics
5Chart Symbols Legend
Comprehensive legend of all symbols, colors, and line types used across all FAA chart products.
Chart Symbols Legend
Comprehensive legend of all symbols, colors, and line types used across all FAA chart products.
Key Topics
Study Tips
- Print the VFR Sectional legend page and keep it next to your sectional chart while studying — match every symbol you see to its legend entry.
- For the knowledge test, focus on airspace boundary depictions: know the difference between magenta (Class E surface) and blue (Class B, C, D) shading.
- Practice identifying airport symbols: solid magenta vs open magenta circles, runway patterns, and airport data blocks.
- For instrument students, memorize the IAP chart layout: briefing strip, plan view, profile view, and minimums section — the DPE expects you to brief an approach fluently.
- Use the Chart Supplement (formerly A/FD) alongside the chart guide to cross-reference airport data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I download the Aeronautical Chart User's Guide?
The FAA publishes the Aeronautical Chart User's Guide for free on FAA.gov under the Aeronautical Information Services section. It is available as a PDF download.
What is the difference between a Sectional Chart and a Terminal Area Chart?
A Sectional Chart covers a large area at 1:500,000 scale and is the primary VFR navigation chart. A Terminal Area Chart (TAC) covers busy Class B airspace at 1:250,000 scale, providing more detail in congested areas like around major airports.
How often are aeronautical charts updated?
VFR Sectional Charts are updated every 56 days (every other charting cycle). IFR Enroute Charts and IAP charts are updated every 56 days as well. Always use current charts for flight planning.
Quick Facts
- Document ID
- N/A
- Last Updated
- 2024
- Cost
- Free
- Publisher
- FAA
Applies To
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Aeronautical Chart User's Guide (N/A) is an official FAA publication available at FAA.gov
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