Federal Aviation Administration

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Frequently Asked Questions

Digital Products

Pilots

Airport Owner/Operators

Instrument Flight Procedures

What digital (electronic format) products does AeroNav Products offer for sale?

AeroNav currently offers the following digital products:

These products may be ordered by contacting the FAA AeroNav Products Logistics Group - Distribution Team. We are currently developing digital versions of other paper products. Prior to October 1, 2000 FAA was required to forward chart sales proceeds directly to the United States Treasury. Current legislation now allows FAA to retain revenues to provide funding for the development of new products, such as digital charts and publications. Please continue to access the AeroNav Products homepage to stay abreast of new aeronautical products and services as they become available. Thank you again for your interest in FAA aeronautical charts and products, and the advancement of air navigation safety.

Other digital products may be obtained at Digital Products.

I get an error message when I try to access the digital-TPP or digital-Visual Charts Disk?

Be certain that your computer has a DVD reader. The amount of storage needed by both d-TPP and d-VC products required FAA to utilize DVD media.

How can I get a copy of a digitized chart?

The FAA has geo-referenced Sectional, Terminal Area, World Aeronautical and IFR Enroute Charts now available at Digital Products.

Can I use the Coded Instrument Flight Procedures (CIFP) to update my GPS or FMS?

The Coded Instrument Flight Procedures (CIFP) is produced to the ARINC 424 standard. Currently no GPS or FMS support the use of the "raw" ARINC 424 data. The ARINC 424 data must be "packed" for use. This "packing" process ensures that the proprietary format needed for the aeronautical information for each specific GPS or FMS is met. In some cases this "packing" is done by the individual avionics manufacturers and in other cases it is done by the data supplier. The FAA does not "pack" aeronautical information for use in any GPS or FMS.

Can I purchase obsolete charts?

The National Aeronautical Navigation (AeroNav) Products Office does not provide obsolete charts to the general public due to concerns for flight safety. Only nonprofit educational institutions teaching map reading may obtain obsolete charts. On your institution's letterhead paper please write to:

FAA, AeroNav Products AJV-3
SSMC4 Station 4259
1305 East-West Highway
Silver Spring MD 20910.

Note: AeroNav Products currently has both a VFR and IFR training chart available for public use. These charts are available at a fraction of the cost of our current charts. Please contact our Logistics Group - Distribution Team for ordering information.

How can I get out-of-date charts for collecting, historical or litigation purposes?

For copies of out-of-date charts please contact:

National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, Maryland 20740
Phone: 866-272-6272 or 301-837-3200
Website: http://www.archives.gov/global_pages/contact_us.html

or

Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave SE
Washington, DC 20540
Phone: 202-707-6277 / Fax: 202-707-1334
Website: http://www.loc.gov

How can I report chart discrepancies?

You are encouraged to bring charting errors to our attention. On every FAA Aeronautical product, we have a note that describes how to report charting errors. You may contact us by mail, telephone, and e-mail:

  • Mailing Address:

    • FAA, AeroNav Products AJV-3
    SSMC4 Station 4259
    1305 East West Highway
    Silver Spring, MD 20910-3281

  • Telephone.......(800) 626-3677 toll free, U.S. only
  • Telephone.......(301) 427-4949 local, MD, VA, DC
  • E-mail...............9-AMC-Aerochart@faa.gov

What is the Aeronautical Chart User's Guide?

FAA Aeronautical Chart User's Guide is designed to be used as a teaching aid, reference document, and an introduction to the wealth of information provided on FAA's aeronautical charts and publications. It includes explanations of chart terms and symbols, and a comprehensive display of aeronautical charting symbols organized by chart type. The publication is 8 1/2 x 11 inches.

Why should I fly with current charts?

FAR 91.103 Preflight action.
Each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight.

FAA charts and related products are continually updated to reflect current aeronautical, terrain and cultural information. The following table shows the average number of changes per product type per cycle:

Chart Changes
Product Type Changes/Cycle (average) Cycle Length
Terminal Area Chart 100 6 months
Sectional Chart 278 6 months
World Aeronautical Chart 493 1 year
Airport/Facility Directory 825 56 days
Enroute Low Altitude Chart (U.S.) 1361 56 days
Enroute High Altitude Chart (U.S.) 284 56 days
Enroute Low Altitude Chart (Alaska) 128 56 days
Enroute High Altitude Chart (Alaska) 63 56 days
Terminal Procedures Publication 75 56 days

What is the FAA policy for carrying current charts?

The term "charts" is not found in the FAA's Part 91 regulations (other than for large and turbine-powered multiengine airplanes in 91.503[a]). The specific FAA regulation, FAR 91.103 "Preflight Actions," states that each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight. What is not specifically addressed in the regulation is a requirement for charts. You should always carry a current chart for safety's sake. An expired chart will not show new frequencies or newly constructed obstructions, some of which could be tall enough to be a hazard along your route of flight.

    The only FAA/FAR requirements that pertain to charts are:
  • Title 14 CFR section 91.503[a] (Large and Turbojet powered aircraft)
  • Title 14 CFR section 135.83 (Air Carriers-Little Airplane)
  • Title 14 CFR section 121.549 (Air Carrier-Big Airplanes)
    The FAA has rendered interpretations that have stated the foregoing. The subject of current charts was thoroughly covered in an article in the FAA's July/August 1997 issue of FAA Aviation News. That article was cleared through the FAA's Chief Counsel's office. In that article the FAA stated the following:
  1. "You can carry old charts in your aircraft." "It is not FAA policy to violate anyone for having outdated charts in the aircraft."
  2. "Not all pilots are required to carry a chart." "91.503..requires the pilot in command of large and multiengine airplanes to have charts." "Other operating sections of the FAR such as Part 121 and Part 135 operations have similar requirements."
  3. ..."since some pilots thought they could be violated for having outdated or no charts on board during a flight, we need to clarify an important issue. As we have said, it is NOT FAA policy to initiate enforcement action against a pilot for having an old chart on board or no chart on board." That's because there is no regulation on the issue.
  4. ..."the issue of current chart data bases in handheld GPS receivers is a non-issue because the units are neither approved by the FAA or required for flight, nor do panel-mounted VFR-only GPS receivers have to have a current data base because, like handheld GPS receivers, the pilot is responsible for pilotage under VFR.
  5. "If a pilot is involved in an enforcement investigation and there is evidence that the use of an out-of-date chart, no chart, or an out-of-date database contributed to the condition that brought on the enforcement investigation, then that information could be used in any enforcement action that might be taken."

If you, as an FAA Safety Inspector, Designated Pilot Examiner, Flight Instructor, or other aviation professional are telling pilots something other than the foregoing then you are incorrect.

What is the database currency requirement needed for VFR or IFR flight?

AIM 1-1-19b3(b) Database Currency (1) In many receivers, an up-datable database is used for navigation fixes, airports and instrument procedures. These databases must be maintained to the current update for IFR operations, but no such requirement exists for VFR use. (2) However,...

AIM 1-1-19f1(b) Equipment and Database Requirements - For IFR Operations "All approach procedures to be flown must be retrievable from the current airborne navigation database..."

AC 90-100, U.S. TERMINAL AND EN ROUTE AREA NAVIGATION (RNAV) OPERATIONS, paragraph 8a(3): The onboard navigation data must be current and appropriate for the region of intended operation and must include the navigation aids, waypoints, and relevant coded terminal airspace procedures for the departure, arrival, and alternate airfields.

NOTE: Navigation databases are expected to be current for the duration of the flight. If the AIRAC cycle will change during flight, operators and pilots should establish procedures to ensure the accuracy of navigation data, including suitability of navigation facilities used to define the routes and procedures for flight. Traditionally, this has been accomplished by verifying electronic data against paper products. One acceptable means is to compare aeronautical charts (new and old) to verify navigation fixes prior to dispatch. If an amended chart is published for the procedure, the database must not be used to conduct the operation."

Published instrument procedures and routes are incorporated by reference into 14 CFR Part 95 and 14 CFR Part 97, are "law." They are "effective" only during the AIRAC cycle dates specified on the enroute chart/TPP covers or on the side of the chart when printed from the digital-TPP. If you are using a published procedure before or after the dates specified on the chart under IFR, you are technically in violation of the law.

Why is there a difference between the magnetic variation
for the airport and the VOR located at the same airport?

When a navaid is first constructed, the antenna is physically oriented to True North. Then a potentiometer adjustment is made to slave the navaid with Magnetic North. This action matches the isogonic line making it agree with a magnetic compass. Initially these two values are the same, but the magnetic variation of the earth changes at differing rates depending upon location and time. Navaids are commissioned and remain online 24 hours per day 365 days per year. Although periodic maintenance is performed as needed, a re-slaving to match the isogonic value requires a total navaid shut down, re-alignment and a re-certification flight check. Only when the navaid is out of tolerance by at least +/-6 degrees will a re-slaving procedure be initiated allowing the navaid and airport magnetic variation to match again.
Note: GPS databases use a MAGVAR model to calculate the most up-to-date magnetic variation.

If I place a new subscription, when will my service begin?

Unless specified by the subscriber the new subscription service will begin with the next edition of the product. For example if the next edition date for the Seattle Sectional Chart is June 2nd, 2011 and you place your order for a subscription in April you will not receive the current edition (December 16th, 2010) unless you specify that you want the current edition shipped to you.

What is the significance of a runway 8069 feet in length and why are two different aerodrome symbols used to depict hard surface runways on Sectional charts?

For purposes of airport depiction, when a runway is between 7970 and 8069 feet in length FAA cartographers round to 8000 which equates to a line 0.192 inches in length on the Sectional chart scale. In this case a circular aerodrome symbol is used. If the runway is between 8070 and 8169 feet in length, cartographers round to 8100 which equates to a line 0.1944 inches in length on the Sectional chart scale. This line is simply too long to fit into the largest circular aerodrome symbol FAA has available. Therefore, when an airport has a runway that is greater than 8069 feet in length cartographers place a box around the runway pattern forming an enclosed shape.

What is the process for establishing Rulemaking (i.e. Class A, B, C, etc.) and Nonrulemaking (i.e. Restricted, Warning, Alert, etc.) Airspace areas on aeronautical charts?

The FAA cannot arbitrarily depict airspace on its charts without proper authorization. Certain procedures must be followed before the FAA may chart any aeronautical information, especially airspace. Please consult FAA Order, JO 7400.2G - Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters.

Why are chart/publication covers being redesigned?

AeroNav Products is redesigning the covers of its charts and publications to improve the quality and readability of the products, and simplify the overwhelming amount information that has been added to the covers over the years. The new covers also give the AeroNav Products suite of charts and publications a common branding design that better reflects the quality of these FAA products.

What is the meaning of RP and RP* on VFR Charts?

Right traffic information is shown using the abbreviation RP for right pattern followed by the appropriate runway number(s).

RP* indicates that there are special conditions or restrictions for right traffic and the pilot should consult the Airport/Facility Directory for those special instructions and/or restrictions. RP* does NOT indicate that there is right traffic for all aircraft at all times.

What does "OBJECTIONABLE" stand for on VFR Charts?

An airport with an objectionable airspace determination will be shown with the type “OBJECTIONABLE” per FAA Joint Order 7400.2J Section 4, Airport Charting and Publication of Airport Data, issued 9 FEB 2012. The airport may adversely affect airspace use. FAA Airports Offices are responsible for airspace determinations.

How can I become an Authorized FAA Chart Agent?

On October 5, 2009, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) transitioned to a New Chart Agent Model. This change was part of an overall High Performing Organization (HPO) plan that will help the FAA reduce costs, increase efficiency, and make the Chart Agent Program more self-sufficient.

The requirements of the New Chart Agent Model are: Chart Agents must have a minimum annual net sales volume of $5,000; Chart Agent orders must be placed using the FAA e-commerce system; Chart Agents may establish their own network of sales outlet(s) to sell navigation charts and related products; and Chart Agents will have the opportunity to choose the discount/obsolete return rate they receive from the FAA to purchase navigation charts and related products (50% discount of FAA published prices with zero obsolete returns accepted or 40% discount of FAA published prices with up to 20% obsolete returns accepted). You must also submit a business plan to FAA summarizing how you plan to achieve the $5,000 minimum annual net sales volume. Agents will be permitted one year to establish their business. Thereafter an agent not selling a volume sufficient to maintain an active status may be discontinued.

For additional information about the New Chart Agent Model, please visit our website.

If you are interested in becoming an authorized chart agent, please mail or fax the FAA Distribution Team your name, address and telephone number so we can send you the Chart Agent Agreement, Supplemental Instructions and Signature Pages. Please specify whether you are interested in becoming an Aeronautical Chart Agent, Nautical Chart Agent or an Agent that will be selling both aeronautical and nautical charts and related products.

  • Contact Information:

    • FAA, AeroNav Products Logistics Group - Distribution Team
    Agent/Govt Sales and Services
    10201 Good Luck Road
    Glenn Dale, Maryland 20769-9700
    Phone: 800-638-8972
    Fax: 301-436-6829

How do I add a public or private airport to a chart? (One with a FAA Location Identifier)

Airports with hard and soft surface runways are depicted on VFR charts. Enroute charts require at least a 3000 foot hard surface runway to be depicted. If your airport meets those criteria and you would like your airport charted you should contact the local Federal Aviation Administration, Airports District Office or Aeronautical Information Management, AJV-21, at 1-866-295-8236. The FAA Specialist will verify your airport information and publish a change in the National Flight Data Digest. This change will generate a charting directive to depict your airport on the chart. FAA will chart your airport if it does not interfere with any existing chart data that may have a higher safety priority and or cause chart clutter. Every effort will be made to move chart data around and accommodate your airport name and symbol depiction on the chart for the next publication cycle.

How do I register a private use airport to obtain a location identifier or make changes to an existing private use airport?

To register a private use airport with FAA or make changes to existing private use airport, proponents can complete FAA Form 7480-1 Notice of Landing Area Proposal. Follow the instructions on the form and send to the appropriate FAA Regional Office listed on the form instructions sheet. If you have begun the registration process, contact the office that you sent your Form 7480-1 to and ask for your application status. If you have received an Airspace Study letter from the FAA, contact the FAA Airport Safety Data Branch (202) 267-8728 and ask for your application status.

How can I change the information for a Public Use or Military Airport?

Contact the National Flight Data Center (NFDC) at FAA Headquarters. This information can be found on the inside front cover of the A/FD and shown here:
Web site access to recommend revisions: http://nfdc.faa.gov or

FAA, Aeronautical Information Management
NFDC Group AJV-21
800 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20591
Toll free: 1-866-295-8236
Fax: 202-267-5322

How can I get a parachute jumping symbol for a specific
area put on a chart?

Parachute jump areas are designated airspace areas that are depicted to alert the flying public of special air traffic activity. Charting these areas may be accomplished by contacting the FAA Regional Office having jurisdiction over the airspace and request the specific area be charted. The FAA Specialist will verify the information, apply the data to standard charting criteria:

  1. Be in operation for at least 1 year.
  2. Operate year round (at least on weekends).
  3. Log 4,000 or more jumps each year.

Jump sites can also be nominated by FAA Regions if special circumstances require charting.

Once published in the National Flight Data Digest, the information will be added to the PARACHUTE JUMPING AREAS Section of the Airport/Facility Directory. If the parachute jump area meets minimum charting requirements we will depict the Parachute Jump Area symbol on the appropriate chart for the next publication cycle.

How can I get a glider symbol for a specific area
put on a chart?

Glider areas are designated airspace areas that are depicted to alert the flying public of special air traffic activity. Charting these areas may be accomplished by accessing the National Flight Data Center (NFDC) Portal at nfdc.faa.gov and submitting an Airport Data Change Form (public and military airports only) or contacting Aeronautical Information Management, AJV-21, at 1-866-295-8236 and request that the specific area be charted. The FAA Specialist will verify your information, apply the data to standard charting criteria, and publish the information in the National Flight Data Digest if it meets all the requirements. Once published the glider symbol will be added to the appropriate chart for the next publication cycle.

How can I add or make a change to the UNICOM
or CTAF frequency for a chart?

UNICOM and CTAF frequencies are important communications frequencies at all airports authorized to use them. To add, modify or delete frequencies, airport owners/managers should access the National Flight Data Center (NFDC) Portal at nfdc.faa.gov and submit an Airport Data Change Form (public and military airports only) or contact Aeronautical Information Management, AJV-21, at 1-866-295-8236 and request your authorized UNICOM or CTAF frequency be published and/or charted. The FAA Specialist will verify your information and publish a change in the National Flight Data Digest. Once published the information will be depicted in the appropriate publications and/or sectional charts for the next publication.

How can I update my airport diagram information?

Mr. Chris Criswell of the FAA is the point of contact for Airport Diagrams. Please contact him at 9-AWA-ATS-Diagrams@faa.gov. Any graphic changes should be submitted using the Aeronautical Chart Change Form found within the National Flight Data Center (NFDC) Portal at nfdc.faa.gov.

How can I make a change to the Airport/Facility Directory?

In order to effect the desired change/changes, you need to contact the National Flight Data Center (NFDC). Here is their contact information:

FAA, Aeronautical Information Management
NFDC Group AJV-21
800 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20591
Toll free: 1-866-295-8236
Fax: 202-267-5322
http://nfdc.faa.gov

As soon as the NFDC has entered your requested change/changes into their database, notice will be directed to everyone producing relevant aviation publications requiring all to amend their products to show the new information.

How can I challenge my objectionable airspace determination?

Please contact your FAA Regional Airports Office. Contact Information for FAA Regional Airports Offices

What is an instrument flight procedure?

An instrument flight procedure is a series of predetermined maneuvers allowing for the orderly transition of an aircraft operating under instrument flight rules. (i.e. IFR conditions) This all-encompassing term can be applied equally to instrument approach, instrument departure, and enroute operations.

Departure procedures allow for an orderly transition along a specified route providing obstruction clearances from the point of departure to a position at which enroute operations may be conducted.

Instrument approach procedures allow for the transition from enroute operations to the terminal area of intended landing at the destination airport. The instrument approach procedure is designed utilizing ground or space based system and provides guidance and obstruction clearance to the runway or an altitude from which visual operations may be conducted for landing.

Instrument flight procedures are prescribed and approved for a specific airport by a competent authority. These procedures are particularly critical to flight safety and are designed to ensure continued safe operations during periods of marginal weather/visibility and in areas of adverse terrain.

How does FAA develop an instrument flight procedure?

The specialist utilizes airport, facility and obstruction data (terrain and man-made) furnished by the country, in the development of the procedure. He/she also takes into consideration any particular design needs requested by the country that meet the criteria specified. Each segment of the procedure is designed and the appropriate forms document the product.

What shall I expect after the instrument flight procedure is developed?

After an instrument flight procedure is designed and passes the quality review process, it must be certified through flight inspection. After flight inspection, the procedure must be charted and published for use. At the country's request, FAA will perform flight inspection and/or charting under separate reimbursable agreements.

What data will be required for FAA to produce these Instrument Procedure Charts?

The charting of instrument flight procedures is restricted to those procedures that have been developed by the FAA. In order to complete these charts, accurate data must be provided, in English, by the requesting country. These may include airport, obstacle, communication, fix, special use and terrain data.

Page Last Modified: 08/20/12 10:18 EDT

This page can be viewed online at: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/faq/