FAA 107 Sectional Chart Reading & Navigation 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When reading a sectional chart, a tower obstacle symbol with its top elevation printed in bold and underlined indicates:
- The obstacle exceeds 1,000 feet AGL (Correct answer)
- The obstacle is under 200 feet AGL
- The structure is lit at night only
- The elevation shown is AGL, not MSL
Correct answer: The obstacle exceeds 1,000 feet AGL
Bold, underlined elevation numbers next to an obstacle symbol on a sectional chart indicate the structure exceeds 1,000 feet above ground level.
Question 2: A remote pilot is planning a flight near a TRSA (Terminal Radar Service Area). How is a TRSA depicted on a sectional chart?
- Solid black lines with the word 'TRSA' and altitude limits noted (Correct answer)
- Blue segmented circles similar to Class D
- Magenta dashed lines at 10-nm radius
- No specific symbol—TRSAs are only on IFR charts
Correct answer: Solid black lines with the word 'TRSA' and altitude limits noted
TRSAs are depicted on sectional charts with solid black lines and labeled with 'TRSA' along with altitude limits, distinguishing them from formal airspace classes.
Question 3: On a sectional chart, what color are Class C airspace rings?
- Solid magenta lines (Correct answer)
- Solid blue lines
- Blue segmented lines
- Magenta dashed lines
Correct answer: Solid magenta lines
Class C airspace is depicted with solid magenta lines forming concentric rings, with ceiling and floor altitudes labeled in hundreds of feet MSL.
Question 4: A sectional chart legend shows a tick-mark symbol with 'UC' labeled. What does this mean for a depicted obstacle?
- The obstacle is under construction and the height may not be accurate (Correct answer)
- The obstacle is uncharted and unofficial
- The obstacle is unlighted and in controlled airspace
- The obstacle was recently updated (UC = Updated Chart)
Correct answer: The obstacle is under construction and the height may not be accurate
The 'UC' label near an obstacle symbol indicates it is under construction, meaning the depicted height may change and pilots should exercise extra caution.
Question 5: What is the purpose of the isogonic lines (lines of equal magnetic variation) printed on a sectional chart?
- To allow pilots to convert between true and magnetic headings (Correct answer)
- To show terrain elevation contours
- To mark the boundaries of magnetic anomaly areas
- To indicate areas where compass deviation is extreme
Correct answer: To allow pilots to convert between true and magnetic headings
Isogonic lines on sectional charts connect points of equal magnetic variation, enabling pilots (and drone operators) to convert true headings from the chart to magnetic headings for navigation.
Question 6: On a sectional chart, a pentagonal shape containing an 'A' indicates which airspace feature?
- Class E airspace with a ceiling at 14,500 feet MSL designated as an Alert Area
- Class A airspace beginning above 18,000 feet MSL
- An area with dense air traffic requiring ATC advisories (Correct answer)
- An Aerobatic Box approved for aerobatic maneuvers
Correct answer: An area with dense air traffic requiring ATC advisories
An 'A' followed by a number (e.g., A-211) designates an Alert Area, which contains a high volume of pilot training or unusual aerial activities that pilots should be aware of.
Question 7: A remote pilot reviews a sectional chart and sees terrain contour lines spaced very close together. What does this indicate about the terrain?
- Steep terrain with rapid elevation changes over a short distance (Correct answer)
- Flat terrain with densely packed vegetation
- Areas of strong magnetic interference
- Terrain with consistent moderate slope
Correct answer: Steep terrain with rapid elevation changes over a short distance
Closely spaced contour lines on a sectional chart indicate rapidly changing elevation—essentially steep or cliff-like terrain within a short horizontal distance.
FAA 107 Sectional Chart Reading & Navigation 4
When reading a sectional chart, a tower obstacle symbol with its top elevation printed in bold and underlined indicates: