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Lesson 5.5 – Airport/Facility Directory & Chart Reading
To operate safely, pilots must be able to find and interpret airport and airspace information. The two primary sources are sectional charts and the Chart Supplement (formerly called the Airport/Facility Directory or A/FD).
Reference:
FAA Chart Supplement
FAA Sectional Aeronautical Charts
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK), Chapter 16 – Navigation
14 CFR 91.159 – VFR Cruising Altitudes
Sectional Charts
Sectional Charts
Sectional charts are the standard VFR navigation charts. They show airports, airspace boundaries and altitudes, special use airspace, terrain, obstacles, navigation aids, and visual landmarks.
Always check the chart legend if you are unsure of any symbol. (We will cover specific chart symbols in more detail later when we have better visual resources.)
Chart Supplement (formerly Airport/Facility Directory)
Chart Supplement (formerly Airport/Facility Directory)
The Chart Supplement contains detailed information about airports that cannot fit on the sectional chart.
Key information found in the Chart Supplement includes:
Airport name, location, and identifier
Runway lengths, widths, surface types, and lighting
Communication frequencies (CTAF, Tower, Ground, Approach, ATIS, etc.)
Traffic pattern information (left or right traffic, pattern altitude)
Fuel availability and services
Airport remarks (important operational notes)
Special procedures or restrictions
How to use it:
Look up the airport by name or identifier.
Read the entire entry, especially the remarks section.
Cross-check the information with the sectional chart.
VFR Cruising Altitude Rules (14 CFR 91.159)
VFR Cruising Altitude Rules (14 CFR 91.159)
When flying under VFR in level cruising flight at more than 3,000 feet above the surface and below 18,000 feet MSL, you must use the following altitudes based on your magnetic course:
Magnetic Course 0° through 179° (Eastbound) → Fly odd thousands plus 500 feet Examples: 3,500 / 5,500 / 7,500 / 9,500 feet MSL
Magnetic Course 180° through 359° (Westbound) → Fly even thousands plus 500 feet Examples: 4,500 / 6,500 / 8,500 / 10,500 feet MSL
Notes:
These rules apply only when you are in level cruising flight more than 3,000 feet AGL.
They do not apply when climbing, descending, or flying below 3,000 feet above the surface.
Above 18,000 feet MSL the hemispheric rule is replaced by IFR altitude rules and the flight levels.
NOTAMs
NOTAMs
Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) provide the most current information about airport conditions, temporary flight restrictions, closed runways, inoperative lighting, and other critical changes. Always check NOTAMs before every flight.
Best Practices
Best Practices
Use the sectional chart for overall situational awareness and airspace.
Use the Chart Supplement for detailed airport information.
Check NOTAMs for the latest changes.
Follow the VFR cruising altitude rules when in level cruise above 3,000 feet AGL.
Never rely on memory for frequencies, runway lengths, or airspace dimensions — look them up.
Key Points to Remember
Key Points to Remember
Sectional charts show the big picture: airspace, terrain, and airport locations.
The Chart Supplement gives detailed airport information.
VFR cruising altitudes are based on magnetic course: odd + 500 eastbound, even + 500 westbound.
Always check NOTAMs before flying.
Links:
Intro to Aviation & Airplanes
Airfoils, Lift & Angle of Attack
Stalls, Critical Angle of Attack & Spin Awareness
Primary Flight Controls & the Three Axis
Stability, Controllability & Adverse Yaw
Engine Instruments & System Monitoring
Pilot Certification & Privileges
Medical Certificates & BasicMed
Flight Rules (Part 91 Highlights)
Airport Marking, Signs, & Lighting
Traffic Patterns & Airport Operations
Special Use Airspace & Other Airspace Areas
Airport Facility Directory & Chart Reading
The Atmosphere & Atmospheric Pressure
Airmasses, Fronts & Weather Patterns
Thunderstorms, Turbulence, Icing & Other Hazards
Weather Reports, Forecasts & Charts
Common Weak Areas & How to Fix Them
Private Pilot Privileges & Limitations
Lesson 11.2
Currency Requirements
Medical Certification & Basic Med After the Check ride
Continuing Education & Proficiency
Engine Failure & Forced Landings
In-Flight Fires & Electrical Problems
System and Instrument Failures
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