INTRODUCTION

This Chart Users’ Guide is an introduction to the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) aeronautical charts and publications. It is useful to new pilots as a learning aid, and to experienced pilots as a quick reference guide.

The FAA is the source for all data and information utilized in the publishing of aeronautical charts through authorized publishers for each stage of Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) air navigation including training, planning, departures, enroute (for low and high altitudes), approaches, and taxiing charts. Digital charts are available online at:

The FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) Pilot/Controller Glossary defines all terms and abbreviations used throughout this publication. Unless otherwise indicated, miles are nautical miles (NM), altitudes indicate feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL), and times used are Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) alert pilots to time-critical aeronautical information that is either temporary or not sufficiently known in advance to permit publication on aeronautical charts or in other operational publications. Pilots can access NOTAM information via Flight Service Stations (FSS) or online via NOTAM Search at https://notams.aim.faa.gov/notamSearch/.

In addition to NOTAMs, the Safety Alerts/Charting Notices page of the Aeronautical Information Services website is also useful to pilots.

KEEP YOUR CHARTS CURRENT

Aeronautical information changes rapidly, so it is important that pilots check the effective dates on each aeronautical chart and publication. To avoid danger, it is important to always use current editions and discard obsolete charts and publications.

To confirm that a chart or publication is current, refer to the next scheduled edition date printed on the cover. In addition to the published edition dates, the time 0901Z is specified as the changeover time for updated aeronautical information and products in the United States. The

0901Z time of day, selected due to its historically lower overall volume of air traffic, is crucial for both pilots and air traffic controllers to ensure all aircraft are using the same current chart or publication.

Pilots should also check NOTAMs for important updates between chart and publication cycles that are essential for safe flight.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF CHART USERS’ GUIDE AND UPDATES

All information in this guide is effective as of 9 July 2026.

All graphics used in this guide are for educational purposes. Chart symbology may not be to scale. Please do not use them for flight navigation.

COLOR VARIATION

Although the digital files are compiled in accordance with charting specifications, the final product may vary slightly in appearance due to differences in printing techniques/processes and/or digital display techniques.

REPORTING CHART DISCREPANCIES

Your experience as a pilot is valuable and your feedback is important. We make every effort to display accurate information on all FAA charts and publications, so we appreciate your input. Please notify us concerning any requests for changes, or potential discrepancies you see while using our charts and related products.

Aeronautical Inquires: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/ flight_info/aeronav/aero_data/Aeronautical_Inquiries/