Definition
An aeronautical chart that has been published or accepted by the FAA, or by another source the FAA recognizes (such as Jeppesen or a foreign civil aviation authority for international operations), for use in conducting instrument flight procedures. Pilots flying SIDs, STARs, and instrument approaches must use an approved, current chart depicting the procedure.
Plain English
A flight chart that comes from an official source the FAA accepts, and is current. You're required to use one of these — not a homemade or outdated copy — when flying instrument procedures.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument procedure use, including standard terminal arrival route procedures, where the pilot follows the published route, notes, and instructions shown on the chart.
Derivation
Approved comes from a Latin root meaning “to judge as acceptable.” Chart comes from a word meaning a sheet or map. In aviation, the phrase points to a map-like flight document that has been accepted by the proper authority, not just drawn or shared informally.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures the pilot is relying on current, accurate data that satisfies regulatory and safety requirements during IFR operations.
Intuition Check
“Approved” does not mean merely popular, convenient, or found online. Here it means authorized for aviation use by the proper authority. “Chart” does not mean any drawing of a route. Here it means an official or authorized aviation chart used to fly the procedure correctly.
Example Sentence 1
The captain confirmed they had the approved chart for the RNAV arrival before accepting the clearance.
Example Sentence 2
Only an approved chart may be used to brief and fly the published STAR.