Definition
An FAA publication containing detailed information about airports, seaplane bases, heliports, and related navigation facilities within a given region of the United States. It lists items such as runway dimensions, lighting, available services, communication frequencies, navigation aids, and special procedures or notes for each location. The A/FD has since been renamed the Chart Supplement, but the term A/FD is still widely used in handbooks and by pilots.
Plain English
It is the FAA's reference book that tells you everything you need to know about a specific airport — what its runways are like, who to talk to on the radio, what services are available, and any special procedures to be aware of.
Context Anchor
Seen during flight planning, especially when checking airport information that is not fully shown on a sectional chart, en route chart, or approach chart.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots consult it to confirm an airport meets operational, safety, and equipment requirements for the planned flight.
Intuition Check
Do not think of the A/FD as just a list of airport names. It is an operational reference that gives practical details a pilot may need before using an airport.
Example Sentence 1
While planning the cross-country, she checked the A/FD to confirm the runway length and the CTAF frequency at the destination airport.
Example Sentence 2
According to the A/FD, the airport had instrument approach procedures and maintenance services.