Pilot/Controller Glossary

4/3/14

PCG A−3

topographic features, hazards and obstructions,

navigation aids, navigation routes, designated

airspace, and airports. Commonly used aeronautical

charts are:

a.

Sectional Aeronautical Charts (1:500,000)−

Designed for visual navigation of slow or medium

speed aircraft. Topographic information on these

charts features the portrayal of relief and a judicious

selection of visual check points for VFR flight.

Aeronautical information includes visual and radio

aids to navigation, airports, controlled airspace,

restricted areas, obstructions, and related data.

b.

VFR Terminal Area Charts (1:250,000)−

Depict Class B airspace which provides for the

control or segregation of all the aircraft within Class

B airspace. The chart depicts topographic informa-

tion and aeronautical information which includes

visual and radio aids to navigation, airports,

controlled airspace, restricted areas, obstructions,

and related data.

c.

World Aeronautical Charts (WAC)

(1:1,000,000)− Provide a standard series of aeronau-

tical charts covering land areas of the world at a size

and scale convenient for navigation by moderate

speed aircraft. Topographic information includes

cities and towns, principal roads, railroads, distinc-

tive landmarks, drainage, and relief. Aeronautical

information includes visual and radio aids to

navigation, airports, airways, restricted areas,

obstructions, and other pertinent data.

d.

En Route Low Altitude Charts− Provide

aeronautical information for en route instrument

navigation (IFR) in the low altitude stratum.

Information includes the portrayal of airways, limits

of controlled airspace, position identification and

frequencies of radio aids, selected airports, minimum

en route and minimum obstruction clearance

altitudes, airway distances, reporting points, re-

stricted areas, and related data. Area charts, which are

a part of this series, furnish terminal data at a larger

scale in congested areas.

e.

En Route High Altitude Charts− Provide

aeronautical information for en route instrument

navigation (IFR) in the high altitude stratum.

Information includes the portrayal of jet routes,

identification and frequencies of radio aids, selected

airports, distances, time zones, special use airspace,

and related information.

f.

Instrument Approach Procedures (IAP) Charts−

Portray the aeronautical data which is required to

execute an instrument approach to an airport. These

charts depict the procedures, including all related

data, and the airport diagram. Each procedure is

designated for use with a specific type of electronic

navigation system including NDB, TACAN, VOR,

ILS/MLS, and RNAV. These charts are identified by

the type of navigational aid(s) which provide final

approach guidance.

g.

Instrument Departure Procedure (DP) Charts−

Designed to expedite clearance delivery and to

facilitate transition between takeoff and en route

operations. Each DP is presented as a separate chart

and may serve a single airport or more than one

airport in a given geographical location.

h.

Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR) Charts−

Designed to expedite air traffic control arrival

procedures and to facilitate transition between en

route and instrument approach operations. Each

STAR procedure is presented as a separate chart and

may serve a single airport or more than one airport in

a given geographical location.

i.

Airport Taxi Charts− Designed to expedite the

efficient and safe flow of ground traffic at an airport.

These charts are identified by the official airport

name; e.g., Ronald Reagan Washington National

Airport.

(See ICAO term AERONAUTICAL CHART.)

AERONAUTICAL CHART [ICAO]− A representa-

tion of a portion of the earth, its culture and relief,

specifically designated to meet the requirements of

air navigation.
AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION MANUAL

(AIM)− A primary FAA publication whose purpose

is to instruct airmen about operating in the National

Airspace System of the U.S. It provides basic flight

information, ATC Procedures and general instruc-

tional information concerning health, medical facts,

factors affecting flight safety, accident and hazard

reporting, and types of aeronautical charts and their

use.