Aeronautical Information Services
Aeronautical Chart
Users’ Guide
Effective as of 20 February 2025
Federal Aviation
Administration
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................ 3
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................7
KEEP YOUR CHARTS CURRENT .............................................................................................7
EFFECTIVE DATE OF CHART USERS’ GUIDE AND UPDATES ...............................................7
COLOR VARIATION ....................................................................................................................7
REPORTING CHART DISCREPANCIES ....................................................................................7
WHAT’S NEW? ..................................................................................................... 9
VFR CHARTS ..............................................................................................................................9
IFR ENROUTE CHARTS ............................................................................................................9
TERMINAL PROCEDURE PUBLICATION (TPP) .......................................................................9
EXPLANATION OF VFR TERMS AND SYMBOLS ............................................11
WATER FEATURES (HYDROGRAPHY) ..................................................................................11
LAND FEATURES (TERRAIN) AND OBSTRUCTIONS ............................................................11
LAND FEATURES - MOUNTAIN PASSES ................................................................................14
RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION .................................................................................................15
AIRPORTS ................................................................................................................................15
AIRSPACE .................................................................................................................................17
FOREIGN AREAS .....................................................................................................................20
TERMINAL AREA CHART (TAC) COVERAGE .........................................................................21
INSET AND SPECIAL CHART COVERAGE .............................................................................21
CHART TABULATIONS .............................................................................................................21
VFR SECTIONAL AND TERMINAL AREA CHARTS ........................................23
AIRPORTS ................................................................................................................................23
RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION .................................................................................................25
AIRSPACE INFORMATION .......................................................................................................26
NAVIGATIONAL AND PROCEDURAL INFORMATION ............................................................32
CULTURE ..................................................................................................................................34
HYDROGRAPHY ......................................................................................................................37
RELIEF ......................................................................................................................................40
VFR FLYWAY PLANNING CHARTS ..................................................................43
GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................43
AIRPORTS ................................................................................................................................43
RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION .................................................................................................43
AIRSPACE INFORMATION .......................................................................................................44
NAVIGATIONAL AND PROCEDURAL INFORMATION ............................................................47
CULTURE ..................................................................................................................................48
BOUNDARIES ...........................................................................................................................48
HYDROGRAPHY ......................................................................................................................48
RELIEF ......................................................................................................................................48
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HELICOPTER ROUTE CHARTS ........................................................................49
GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................49
AIRPORTS ................................................................................................................................49
RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION .................................................................................................50
AIRSPACE INFORMATION .......................................................................................................51
NAVIGATIONAL AND PROCEDURAL INFORMATION ............................................................54
CULTURE ..................................................................................................................................55
CARIBBEAN VFR AERONAUTICAL CHARTS (CAC) ......................................57
AIRSPACE .......................................................................................................... 59
EXPLANATION OF IFR ENROUTE TERMS ...................................................... 61
AIRPORTS ................................................................................................................................61
RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION .................................................................................................63
AIRSPACE INFORMATION .......................................................................................................65
INSTRUMENT AIRWAYS ..........................................................................................................66
FOREIGN AREAS .....................................................................................................................70
TERRAIN CONTOURS ON AREA CHARTS .............................................................................71
AIRPORTS ................................................................................................................................73
IFR ENROUTE LOW / HIGH ALTITUDE SYMBOLS (U.S., PACIFIC AND ALASKA
CHARTS) ............................................................................................................73
RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION .................................................................................................74
AIRSPACE INFORMATION .......................................................................................................79
NAVIGATIONAL AND PROCEDURAL INFORMATION ............................................................92
CULTURE ..................................................................................................................................93
HYDROGRAPHY ......................................................................................................................93
TOPOGRAPHY .........................................................................................................................93
U.S. TERMINAL PROCEDURES PUBLICATION ..............................................95
EXPLANATION OF TPP TERMS AND SYMBOLS ...................................................................95
INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURE CHART .................................................................96
PLANVIEW ..............................................................................................................................102
MISSED APPROACH INFORMATION ....................................................................................113
PROFILE VIEW .......................................................................................................................114
LANDING MINIMUMS .............................................................................................................118
AIRPORT SKETCH .................................................................................................................120
AIRPORT DIAGRAMS ............................................................................................................121
DEPARTURE PROCEDURES (DPs) ......................................................................................123
STANDARD TERMINAL ARRIVAL (STARs) CHARTS ............................................................124
CHARTED VISUAL FLIGHT PROCEDURE (CVFP) CHARTS ...............................................124
U.S. TERMINAL PROCEDURES PUBLICATION SYMBOLS ......................... 125
GENERAL INFORMATION ......................................................................................................125
PLANVIEW SYMBOLS............................................................................................................125
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROFILE VIEW .......................................................................................................................127
STANDARD TERMINAL ARRIVAL (STAR) CHARTS ..............................................................128
DEPARTURE PROCEDURE (DP) CHARTS ...........................................................................129
AIRPORT DIAGRAM/AIRPORT SKETCH ..............................................................................130
APPROACH LIGHTING SYSTEM ...........................................................................................131
REFERENCES .................................................................................................. 133
ABBREVIATIONS .............................................................................................135
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - Table of Contents
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
This Chart Users’ Guide is an introduction to the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) aeronautical charts and publica-
tions. 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 pub-
lishers for each stage of Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) air navigation including training, plan-
ning, departures, enroute (for low and high altitudes), approaches, and taxiing charts. Digital charts are available online at:
• VFR Charts
• IFR Charts
• Terminal Procedures Publication
• Chart Supplements
Paper copies of the charts are available through an FAA Approved Print Provider. A complete list of current providers is
available at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/print_providers/.
The FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) Pilot/Controller Glossary defines 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).
Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) alert pilots to time-critical aeronautical information that is either temporary or not sufficiently
known in advance to permit publication on aeronautical charts or in other operational publications. Pilots can access
NOTAM information via Flight Service Stations (FSS) or online via NOTAM Search at https://notams.aim.faa.gov/notam-
Search/.
In addition to NOTAMs, the Safety Alerts/Charting Notices page of the Aeronautical Information Services website is also
useful to pilots.
KEEP YOUR CHARTS CURRENT
Aeronautical information changes rapidly, so it is impor-
tant that pilots check the effective dates on each aeronau-
tical 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 NOTAMs for important updates
between chart and publication cycles that are essential
for safe flight.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF CHART USERS’ GUIDE
AND UPDATES
All information in this guide is effective as of 20 February
2025. 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 Users’ Guide is published in accordance with
the 56-day aeronautical chart product schedule.
COLOR VARIATION
Although the digital files are compiled in accordance with
charting specifications, the final product may vary slightly in
appearance due to differences in printing techniques/pro-
cesses and/or digital display techniques.
REPORTING CHART DISCREPANCIES
Your experience as a pilot is valuable and your feedback is
important. We make every effort to display accurate informa-
tion 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 Services
1305 East-West Highway
SSMC4, Room 3424
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3281
Telephone Toll-Free 1-800-638-8972
Aeronautical Inquires: https://www.faa.gov/air_traf-
fic/flight_info/aeronav/aero_data/Aeronautical_In-
quiries/
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - Introduction
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - Introduction
WHAT’S NEW?
Update as of 20 February 2025
The following charting items have been added to the Chart Users’ Guide since the Guide was last published on 26 De-
cember 2024:
VFR CHARTS
No Significant Changes Applied
IFR ENROUTE CHARTS
No Significant Changes Applied
TERMINAL PROCEDURE PUBLICATION (TPP)
No Significant Changes Applied
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - What’s New
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - What’s New
EXPLANATION OF VFR TERMS AND SYMBOLS
This chapter covers the Sectional Aeronautical Chart (Sectional). These charts include the most current data at a scale
of (1:500,000), which is large enough to be read easily by pilots flying by sight under Visual Flight Rules. Sectionals are
named after a major city within its area of coverage.
The 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 tow-
ers) 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 OBSTRUCTIONS
The 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 differ-
ent 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.
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - VFR Terms and Symbols
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. The FAA
maintains a database of obstacles. Aeronautical Specialists evaluate each obstacle based on chart-
ing specifications before adding it to a 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 ob-
struction, 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.
Wind Turbines.
Obstacles 1000’ AGL
or greater.
Obstacles less than
1000’ AGL. Sectional Charts and Terminal Area (TACs) typically show man-made obstacles
extending more than 200' Above Ground Level (AGL), or more than 299' AGL in yellow
city tint. Obstacles may be lit or unlit. Features considered to be hazardous obstacles
to low-level flight are; smokestacks, tanks, factories, lookout towers, antennas, and
wind turbines, etc.
Man-made 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. In extremely congested areas, the
FAA typically omits the AGL values to avoid confusion.
Group Obstacle Symbol
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.
If space is available the AGL
height of the obstruction is
shown in parentheses.
Obstacles under construction are indicated by placing the letters UC adjacent to the obstacle type.
Guy wires may
extend outward
from obstacles.
Wind turbines
with high intensity
lighting.
Obstacles with high-intensity strobe lighting systems may operate part-time or by proximity
activation and are shown as follows:
2894 UC
Concentrated obstructions of wind turbine farms shall be portrayed by an overlying hatched area and
dotted outline to represent the approximate parameters of the farm. One or more single turbine
symbols will populate the farm. A boxed elevation figure representing the MSL elevation of the highest
wind turbine within the area shall be placed inside the farm or, if space is limited, just outside. Pilots
are reminded that wind turbine blades and/or blade tips are not lighted. Wind turbine obstruction
lights are located on top of the nacelle (generator) at the hub of wind turbines, which in some cases
can be 200-300’ below the rotating blade tips.
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - VFR Terms and Symbols
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 man-made 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 - Man-made Obstacle
When a man-made 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 inter-
val on source exceeds 200’. U.S. 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) 2649
Possible obstacle error +100
equals 2749
Raise to the following 100’ level 2800
Maximum Elevation Figure (MEF)
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - VFR Terms and Symbols
MEF - Natural Terrain Feature or Natural Vertical Obstacle
When 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) 13161
Possible vertical error +100
Obstacle Allowance +200
equals 13461
Raise to the following 100’ level 13500
Maximum 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 Information Services website to ensure that your
chart has the latest MEF data available.
LAND FEATURES - MOUNTAIN PASSES
The Mountain Pass symbol does not indicate
a recommended route or direction of flight, and pass
elevation does not indicate a recommended clearance
altitude. Hazardous flight conditions may exist within
and near mountain passes. For high-traffic mountain
passes, VFR Checkpoints may be provided to increase
situational awareness by indicating key landmarks inside
confined terrain. A collocated VFR Waypoint and Check-
point may be provided to assist with identifying natural
entry points for commonly flown mountain passes.
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - VFR Terms and Symbols
RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION
On VFR Charts, information about radio aids to navigation (NAVAID) are 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) 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. A small open circle indicates the NAVAID location when
collocated with an airport icon.
The type of NAVAID will be identified by: "VOR," (VHF Omni-Directional Range)
"VORTAC" (VOR Tactical Aircraft Control), "VOR-DME," (VOR-Distance Measuring
Equipment) or “DME” (Distance Measuring Equipment) positioned on and breaking
the top line of the NAVAID box.
DMEs are shown without the compass rose.
AIRPORTS
Airports in the following categories are charted as indicated (additional symbols are shown later in this Section).
Public use airports:
Hard-surfaced runways greater than 8069’ or some multiple runways less than 8069’
Hard-surfaced runways 1500’ to 8069’
Other than hard-surfaced runways
Seaplane bases
Military airports:
Other than hard-surfaced runways
Foreign airports:
Hard-surfaced runways are depicted the same as public-use airports.
U.S. military airports are identified by abbreviations such as AAF (Army Air Field), AFB (Air Force Base), MCAS (Marine
Corps Air Station), NAS (Naval Air Station), NAV (Naval Air Facility), and NAAS (Naval Auxiliary Air Station).
Fuel Available:
Fuel availability indicated by use of tick marks around the basic airport symbol. Consult Chart Supplement for
details and availability.
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - VFR Terms and Symbols
Other airports with or without fuel:
Airports are plotted in their true geographic position unless the symbol conflicts with a NAVAID at the same location. In
such cases, the airport symbol will be displaced, but the relationship between the airport and the NAVAID will be retained.
When a waypoint is collocated with a towered airport, the waypoint symbol will not be charted and the waypoint name
followed by (WP) will be shown leadered to the waypoint true location. When depicting a seaplane base, the eye of the
anchor symbol will be charted as close to the docking area as possible, with the remainder of the symbol in the water.
Airports are identified by their official FAA designated name.
UNICOM
The elevation of an airport is the highest point on the usable portion of the landing areas.
Runway length is the length of the longest active runway, including displaced thresholds
and excluding overruns. Runway length is shown to the nearest 100', using 70 as the
rounding point; a runway 8070' in length is charted as 81, while a runway 8069' in length is
charted as 80. If an airport has waterways, it will be indicated by a seaplane base symbol
and additional elevation, lighting, and length information under primary airport information.
Flight Service Station on field Elevation in feet
Airports where fixed wing special VFR
operations are prohibited (shown above
airport name) FAR 91
Lighting in operation Sunset to Sunrise
Indicates FAR 93 Special Air Traffic
Rules and Airport Traffic Pattern
Lighting limitations exist; refer to Chart Supple-
ment
Location Identifier Length of longest runway in hundreds of feet;
usable length may be less
ICAO Location Identifier Aeronautical advisory station
Control Tower (CT) - primary frequency Runways with Right Traffic Patterns (public use)
Star indicates operation part-time. See
tower frequencies tabulation for hours of
operation
See Chart Supplement
Follows the Common Traffic Advisory
Frequency (CTAF)
VFR Advisory Service Shown when ATIS is
not available and frequency is other than the
primary CT frequency
Automatic Terminal Information Services Weather Camera (Alaska)
Automatic Flight Information Service Airport of Entry
Automated Surface Weather Observing
Systems; shown when full-time ATIS is
not available
When information is lacking, the respective
character is replaced by a dash. Lighting codes
refer to runway edge lights and may not repre-
sent the longest runway or full length lighting.
Airports with Control Towers (CT) and their related data are shown in blue. All other airports and their related data are
shown in magenta. The
symbol indicates that runway lights are on from dusk to dawn.
indicates that the pilot must
consult the Chart Supplement to determine runway lighting limitations, such as: available on request (by radio-call, letter,
phone, etc), part-time lighting, or pilot/airport controlled lighting. Lighting codes refer to runway edge lights. The lighted
runway may not be the longest runway available, and lights may not be illuminated along the full length of the runway. The
Chart Supplement has a detailed description of airport and air navigation lighting aids for each airport. A dash represents
no runway edge lights.
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - VFR Terms and Symbols
The symbol
indicates the existence of a rotating or flashing airport beacon operating from dusk to dawn. The Aeronau-
tical Information Manual (AIM) thoroughly explains the types and uses of airport lighting aids.
Right traffic information is shown using the abbreviation 'RP' for right pattern, followed by the appropriate runway
number(s) (RP 18). Special conditions or restrictions to the right pattern are indicated by the use of an asterisk (*RP) to
direct the pilot to the Chart Supplement for special instructions and/or restrictions.
The type “OBJECTIONABLE” associated with an airport symbol indicates that an objectionable airspace determination
has been made for the airport per FAA JO 7400.2 Section 4, Airport Charting and Publication of Airport Data. Objection-
able airspace determinations are based upon a number of factors including conflicting traffic patterns with another airport,
hazardous runway conditions, or natural or man-made obstacles in close proximity to the landing area. FAA Regional
Airports Offices are responsible for airspace determinations. Address any challenges to objectionable airspace determina-
tions to your FAA Regional Airports Office.
AIRSPACE
CONTROLLED AIRSPACE
Controlled airspace consists of those areas where some or all aircraft may be subject to air traffic control, such as: Class
A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E Surface (SFC) and Class E Airspace.
Class A Airspace within the United States extends from 18,000' up to FL600. While visual charts do not depict Class A, it
is important to note its existence.
Class B Airspace is shown on the Sectional Aeronautical Chart (Sectional) and Terminal Area Chart (TAC).
The MSL ceiling and floor altitudes of each sector are shown in solid blue figures with the last two zeros
omitted. Floors extending "upward from above" a certain altitude are preceded by a (+). Operations at and below these
altitudes are outside of Class B Airspace. Radials and arcs used to define Class B are prominently shown on TACs.
Detailed rules and requirements associated with the particular Class B are shown. The name by which the Class B is
shown as for example.
Class C Airspace is shown on Sectionals and TACs. The MSL ceiling and floor altitudes of each sector are
shown in solid magenta figures with the last two zeros eliminated.
A ceiling value of “T” indicates the ceiling is to, but not including, the floor of the overlying Class B airspace.
Surface.
Class C Airspace is identified by name:
Separate notes, enclosed in magenta boxes, give the approach control frequencies to be used by arriving VFR aircraft to
establish two-way radio communication before entering the Class C (generally within 20 NM):
Class C operating less than continuous is indicated by the following note:
Class D Airspace is identified with a blue dashed line. Class D operating less than continuous is indicated by the follow-
ing note:
Ceilings of Class D are shown as follows:
A minus in front of the figure is used to indicate "from surface to, but not including..."
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - VFR Terms and Symbols
Class E Surface (SFC) Airspace is symbolized with a magenta dashed line. Class E (SFC) operating less than continu-
ous is indicated by the following note:
Class E Airspace exists at 1200' AGL unless designated otherwise. The lateral and vertical
vertical limits of all Class E, (up to, but not including 18,000') are shown by narrow bands of
vignette on Sectionals and TACs.
Controlled airspace floors of 700' above the ground are defined by a magenta vignette;
floors other than 700' that laterally abut uncontrolled airspace (Class G) are defined by a
blue vignette; differing floors greater than 700' above the ground are annotated by a symbol
and a number indicating the floor.
If the ceiling is less than 18,000' MSL, the value (preceded by the word "ceiling") is shown along the limits of the controlled
airspace. These limits are shown with the same symbol indicated above.
UNCONTROLLED AIRSPACE
Class G Airspace within the United States extends up to 14,500' Mean Sea Level. At and above this altitude is Class E,
excluding the airspace less than 1500' above the terrain and certain special use airspace areas.
SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE
Special Use Airspace (SUA) confines certain flight activities and restricts
entry, or cautions other aircraft operating within specific boundaries. Except
for Controlled Firing Areas, SUA areas are depicted on VFR Charts. Con-
trolled Firing Areas are not charted because their activities are suspended
immediately when spotter aircraft, radar, or ground lookout positions indi-
cate an aircraft might be approaching the area. Nonparticipating aircraft
are not required to change their flight paths. SUA areas are shown in their
entirety (within the limits of the chart), even when they overlap, adjoin, or when an area is designated within another area.
The areas are identified by type and identifying name/number, and are positioned either within or immediately adjacent to
the area.
* Alert Areas do not extend into Class A, B, C and D airspace, or Class E airport surface areas.
OTHER AIRSPACE AREAS
Mode C Required Airspace (from the surface to 10,000' MSL) within a 30 NM radius of the primary airport(s) for which a
Class B is designated, is depicted by a solid magenta line. MODE C & ADS-B OUT
30 NM
Mode C is required, but not depicted for operations within and above all Class C up to 10,000' MSL.
Enroute Mode C requirements (at and above 10,000' MSL except in airspace at and below 2500' AGL) are not depicted.
See FAR 91.215 and the AIM.
FAR 93 Airports and heliports under Federal Aviation Regulation 93 (FAR 93), (Special Air Traffic Rules and
Airport Traffic Patterns), are shown by "boxing" the airport name.
FAR 91 Airports where fixed wing special visual flight rules operations are prohibited (FAR 91) are shown
with the type "NO SVFR" above the airport name.
National Security Areas indicated with a broken magenta line
and Special Flight Rules Areas (SFRAs) in-
dicated with the following symbol:
, consist of airspace with defined vertical and lateral dimensions estab-
lished at locations where there is a requirement for increased security and safety of ground facilities. Pilots should avoid
flying through these depicted areas. When necessary, flight may be temporarily prohibited.
The Washington DC Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) is related to National Security. It is depicted using the Prohibited/
Restricted/Warning Area symbology
and is located within the SFRA. It is defined as the airspace within
approximately a 13 to 15 NM radius of the DCA VOR-DME. Additional requirements are levied upon aviators requesting
access to operate inside the National Capital Region.