How to Use Aviation Charts: Understanding Sectional, Terminal, and Jeppesen Charts
As a pilot, one of the most important skills you need to master is how to read and use aviation charts. These charts provide crucial information about airspace, navigation aids, terrain, and obstacles that you need to know to fly safely and efficiently.
There are three main types of aviation charts that you will encounter: sectional charts, terminal area charts, and Jeppesen charts. Each of these charts serves a specific purpose and contains different types of information.
Sectional Charts
Sectional charts are used for navigating in VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions and cover a large area of the United States. They show topographical information, such as mountains, rivers, and lakes, as well as man-made features like roads, cities, and towns. Sectional charts also include information about airspace classifications, radio frequencies, and navigation aids.
Terminal Area Charts
Terminal area charts provide detailed information about airports and their surrounding areas. They are used for navigating in and around busy airspace and are especially important for pilots flying in IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) conditions. Terminal area charts include information about runway layouts, taxiways, and approach procedures.
Jeppesen Charts
Jeppesen charts are widely used in commercial aviation and are designed to be used in both VFR and IFR conditions. They are highly detailed and include information about airports, airspace, and navigation aids. Jeppesen charts also provide information about weather, terrain, and obstacles that pilots need to be aware of.
Understanding how to read and use aviation charts is an essential skill for any pilot. By mastering these charts, you can navigate safely and efficiently through any airspace and arrive at your destination with confidence.
Sectional Charts
Sectional charts are topographical maps that provide detailed information about the airspace and the terrain of a specific area. They are used by pilots to navigate and plan flights. Understanding sectional charts is crucial for any pilot, whether you are a student or a professional.
Understanding the Basics
Sectional charts are divided into small squares called “sectors,” which cover a specific area of land. Each sector is identified by a unique code that includes the name of the nearest city or town. Sectional charts are updated every six months to ensure that they remain accurate and up-to-date.
Sectional charts provide a wealth of information, including:
- Airspace boundaries and classifications
- Airports, heliports, and seaplane bases
- Navigational aids, such as VORs and GPS waypoints
- Obstacles, such as towers and power lines
- Topographical features, such as mountains and rivers
Sectional charts also include a legend that explains the various symbols and markings used on the chart.
Interpreting Symbols and Markings
Sectional charts use a variety of symbols and markings to convey information about the airspace and terrain. It is important to understand these symbols and markings to effectively navigate with sectional charts.
Some common symbols and markings on sectional charts include:
| Symbol/Marking | Description |
|---|---|
| Class B airspace | Blue solid line |
| Class C airspace | Magenta solid line |
| Class D airspace | Blue dashed line |
| Restricted airspace | Magenta hashed line |
| Obstacle | Black symbol with height indicated |
| Airport | Blue circle with airport code |
Navigating with Sectional Charts
Sectional charts are an essential tool for navigation. Pilots use sectional charts to plan their routes, identify potential hazards, and navigate through complex airspace. To effectively navigate with sectional charts, pilots must be able to:
- Identify their current location
- Determine their intended destination
- Plan a route that avoids hazards and restricted airspace
- Stay aware of their altitude and airspace classification
By understanding the basics of sectional charts, interpreting symbols and markings, and navigating with confidence, pilots can safely and effectively navigate through the skies.
Terminal Charts
Terminal charts are a crucial part of aviation navigation. They provide pilots with detailed information on the airspace around airports, including approach and departure procedures, taxiways, and runways. There are different types of terminal charts, each designed for specific purposes.
Types of Terminal Charts
The most commonly used terminal charts are the Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP) charts and the Airport Diagrams. IAP charts provide pilots with the necessary information to execute an instrument approach to an airport. They include detailed information on the different types of approaches, such as ILS, GPS, and VOR, and the minimum altitudes required for each approach. Airport Diagrams, on the other hand, provide pilots with a detailed map of an airport, including taxiways, runways, and parking areas.
Other types of terminal charts include Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR) charts, which provide pilots with detailed information on the arrival procedures at an airport, and Departure Procedures (DP) charts, which provide information on the departure procedures from an airport.
Reading Terminal Charts
Reading terminal charts requires a good understanding of the symbols and information presented. The charts are typically divided into different sections, each providing specific information. The key to reading terminal charts is to start with the legend or key, which provides a guide to the symbols used on the chart. Pilots must also be familiar with the different types of approaches and departure procedures and the minimum altitudes required for each approach.
Using Terminal Charts for Navigation
Terminal charts are an essential tool for navigation in aviation. Pilots use the charts to plan their approach and departure procedures, as well as to navigate around the airport. They also use the charts to identify potential hazards, such as obstructions and terrain, and to ensure that they are flying within the designated airspace.
Terminal charts are updated regularly to reflect changes in the airspace and airport procedures. Pilots must ensure that they are using the most up-to-date charts to ensure the safety of their flight.
| Terminal Charts | Types of Charts |
|---|---|
| Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP) charts | Provide pilots with detailed information to execute an instrument approach to an airport |
| Airport Diagrams | Provide pilots with a detailed map of an airport, including taxiways, runways, and parking areas |
| Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR) charts | Provide pilots with detailed information on the arrival procedures at an airport |
| Departure Procedures (DP) charts | Provide information on the departure procedures from an airport |
Jeppesen Charts
Jeppesen charts are a type of aeronautical chart designed to assist pilots with navigation and flight planning. They are created by Jeppesen, a company that specializes in aviation navigation solutions. Jeppesen charts are widely used by pilots all over the world, and they are considered to be one of the most reliable sources of information for aviation navigation.
How to Read Jeppesen Charts
Jeppesen charts are designed to be easy to read and understand. They contain a wealth of information that pilots use to plan their flights and navigate through the air. Some of the key features of Jeppesen charts include:
- Airport diagrams
- Instrument approach procedures
- Enroute charts
- Area charts
Each of these features provides valuable information that pilots use to navigate through the air. For example, airport diagrams provide pilots with information about the layout of an airport, including the location of runways, taxiways, and other important features. Instrument approach procedures provide pilots with detailed instructions for landing at an airport in various weather conditions. Enroute charts provide pilots with information about their flight path and the location of other aircraft in the area. Area charts provide pilots with an overview of the entire flight region.
Jeppesen Charts for Flight Planning
Jeppesen charts are an essential tool for flight planning. They provide pilots with the information they need to plan their flights safely and efficiently. Pilots use Jeppesen charts to determine the best route for their flight, taking into account factors such as weather conditions, air traffic, and fuel consumption.
When planning a flight, pilots typically use a combination of different Jeppesen charts. For example, they may use an enroute chart to plan their flight path, an instrument approach procedure chart to plan their descent and landing, and an airport diagram to navigate around the airport once they have landed.
| Jeppesen Chart Type | Use |
|---|---|
| Airport Diagrams | Provide information about the layout of an airport |
| Instrument Approach Procedures | Provide detailed instructions for landing at an airport |
| Enroute Charts | Provide information about flight path and other aircraft in the area |
| Area Charts | Provide an overview of the entire flight region |
Overall, Jeppesen charts are an essential tool for any pilot. They provide valuable information that helps pilots plan their flights and navigate through the air safely and efficiently.
Conclusion
Aviation charts are a critical tool for pilots, helping them navigate through the skies safely and efficiently. As we have seen, there are different types of charts, each with its specific purpose and information. Understanding how to use sectional, terminal, and Jeppesen charts is essential for any pilot, whether you are a student or a seasoned professional.
Tips for Using Aviation Charts
Here are some tips for using aviation charts:
- Always check the chart’s date and edition to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information.
- Understand the legend and symbols used on the chart.
- Plan your route carefully and mark it on the chart.
- Use different charts for different phases of your flight.
- Always have a backup plan in case of emergencies.
Final Thoughts
Using aviation charts may seem daunting at first, but with practice and experience, it becomes second nature. Remember to stay focused, plan carefully, and always be prepared for the unexpected. By following these tips and guidelines, you can navigate through the skies safely and confidently.
| Sectional Charts | Terminal Charts | Jeppesen Charts |
| Provide detailed information about a specific area. | Provide information about a specific airport and its surrounding airspace. | Provide information for instrument flight rules (IFR) procedures and routes. |
| Scale: 1:500,000 | Scale: 1:10,000 to 1:50,000 | Scale: Varies |
| Updated every six months | Updated every 56 days | Updated every 14 days |