Plain English Meaning

Paper or digital maps designed for pilots flying by sight. They show the ground, airports, airspace, towers, and other things you need to see and avoid while navigating visually.

Full Definition

VFR navigation charts published by the FAA at a scale of 1:500,000, depicting topography, airports, airspace boundaries, navigation aids, obstructions, and other features needed for visual flight in a defined geographic region. Each sectional covers a named area of the United States and is updated on a regular publication cycle.

Context Anchor

Pilots use Sectional Aeronautical Charts during preflight planning and may keep them in the during flights.