4/20/23
AIM
Chapter 9. Aeronautical Charts and
Related Publications
Section 1. Types of Charts Available
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1. General
Civil aeronautical charts for the U.S. and its territories, and possessions are produced by Aeronautical
Information Services (AIS), http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav which is part of FAA’s Air
Traffic Organization, Mission Support Services.
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2. Obtaining Aeronautical Charts
Public sales of charts and publications are available through a network of FAA approved print providers. A listing
of products, dates of latest editions and agents is available on the AIS website at:
http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav.
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3. Selected Charts and Products Available
VFR Navigation Charts
IFR Navigation Charts
Planning Charts
Supplementary Charts and Publications
Digital Products
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4. General Description of Each Chart Series
a. VFR Navigation Charts.
1. Sectional Aeronautical Charts.
Sectional Charts are designed for visual navigation of slow to medium
speed aircraft. The topographic information consists of contour lines, shaded relief, drainage patterns, and an
extensive selection of visual checkpoints and landmarks used for flight under VFR. Cultural features include
cities and towns, roads, railroads, and other distinct landmarks. The aeronautical information includes visual and
radio aids to navigation, airports, controlled airspace, special
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use airspace, obstructions, and related data. Scale
1 inch = 6.86 nm/1:500,000. 60 x 20 inches folded to 5 x 10 inches. Revised every 56 days. (See FIG 9
2.)
2. VFR Terminal Area Charts (TAC).
TACs depict the airspace designated as Class B airspace. While
similar to sectional charts, TACs have more detail because the scale is larger. The TAC should be used by pilots
intending to operate to or from airfields within or near Class B or Class C airspace. Areas with TAC coverage
are indicated by a
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on the Sectional Chart indexes. Scale 1 inch = 3.43 nm/1:250,000. Revised every 56 days.
(See FIG 9
2.)
3. U.S. Gulf Coast VFR Aeronautical Chart.
The Gulf Coast Chart is designed primarily for helicopter
operation in the Gulf of Mexico area. Information depicted includes offshore mineral leasing areas and blocks,
oil drilling platforms, and high density helicopter activity areas. Scale 1 inch = 13.7 nm/1:1,000,000. 55 x 27
inches folded to 5 x 10 inches. Revised every 56 days.
4. Grand Canyon VFR Aeronautical Chart.
Covers the Grand Canyon National Park area and is
designed to promote aviation safety, flight free zones, and facilitate VFR navigation in this popular area. The
chart contains aeronautical information for general aviation VFR pilots on one side and commercial VFR air tour
operators on the other side. Revised every 56 days.
Types of Charts Available
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