Definition
On instrument approach charts and other aeronautical publications, annotations are the printed notes, symbols, labels, and remarks added alongside the primary chart information to convey conditions, restrictions, requirements, or clarifying details that apply to a procedure, route, or feature.
Plain English
The extra notes and labels printed on a chart that tell you about special rules, limits, or conditions tied to what's shown.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument procedure charts, including IFR heliport procedures, where small notes or markings may change how the procedure is flown.
Derivation
From the Latin 'annotare,' meaning 'to mark down' or 'to note.' The original sense — adding remarks to a document — carries directly into chart use, where annotations are the marks added to the main information.
Why Pilots Care
Annotations can include critical details such as obstacle clearances, lighting limitations, or special pilot actions required at the heliport; missing them can lead to unsafe approaches.
Intuition Check
Do not treat annotations as casual comments or decoration. On FAA procedure charts, annotations are published information and may be required for safe and correct use of the procedure.
Example Sentence 1
Before briefing the approach, the pilot read every annotation on the chart, including the note restricting the procedure to helicopters with operative autopilot.
Example Sentence 2
Annotations warned of nearby power lines that required a steeper descent path.