Definition
On an instrument approach chart, the blue/white color coding identifies the chart as an IFR (instrument) approach plate, distinguishing it from VFR charts. The blue band typically appears at the top of the chart (the briefing strip area) and white forms the body of the chart where the procedure, minimums, and profile view are printed.
Plain English
It's the blue-and-white color scheme used on FAA instrument approach charts so pilots can recognize at a glance that they're looking at an IFR approach plate.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA handbook figures and airport-lighting discussions, especially when a diagram uses colors to separate runway, taxiway, or approach-light features.
Why Pilots Care
Correctly recognizing the beacon pattern confirms the airport identity before committing to an approach in instrument conditions.
Intuition Check
Do not treat blue/white as the name of a special procedure or instrument. Here it is a color cue in the figure: blue and white are being used to identify or separate visual features.
Example Sentence 1
She flipped through the binder until she spotted the blue/white approach plate for the ILS into Runway 27.
Example Sentence 2
During the IFR arrival briefing the crew noted the blue/white beacon on the airport diagram for positive identification at night.