Plain English Meaning

A map pilots use when flying by instruments. It shows the highways in the sky, the radio beacons that mark them, how high to fly, and who to talk to along the way.

Full Definition

An aeronautical chart designed for navigation under instrument flight rules, showing airways, navigation aids, intersections, minimum altitudes, controlled airspace boundaries, communication frequencies, and reporting points used to fly published routes through the en route phase of flight.

Context Anchor

Used during IFR flight planning and in the cockpit while flying between airports, especially after and before the or begins.