Plain English Meaning
A zoomed-in VFR map of the airspace around a major airport. It shows more detail than a regular Sectional Chart so pilots can navigate carefully through the busy airspace surrounding cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Atlanta.
Full Definition
A large-scale VFR aeronautical chart published by the FAA covering the airspace around busy Class B airports. It shows the airspace in greater detail than a Sectional Chart, with a scale of 1:250,000, and depicts the boundaries, altitudes, and shelves of Class B airspace along with prominent landmarks, terrain, obstacles, and navigation aids.
Context Anchor
Pilots use a Terminal Area Chart when planning or flying near a large, busy airport where the airspace is more complex than in the surrounding area.