FAA Flight Planning with Sectional Charts 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the latitude and longitude grid on a sectional chart?
- To calculate magnetic variation corrections
- To precisely locate positions using geographic coordinates (Correct answer)
- To identify MEF grid squares for terrain clearance
- To mark airspace boundaries
Correct answer: To precisely locate positions using geographic coordinates
The latitude and longitude grid on a sectional chart allows pilots to precisely locate airports, NAVAIDs, and waypoints using geographic coordinates for flight planning and filing.
Question 2: When flying a VFR cross-country, a pilot uses a sectional chart to identify the true course and then applies magnetic variation. What step comes next?
- Apply compass deviation to get compass heading
- Apply wind correction angle to get true heading, then apply variation (Correct answer)
- File the flight plan with the true course
- Multiply by 1.15 to convert to statute miles
Correct answer: Apply wind correction angle to get true heading, then apply variation
After determining true course from the sectional chart, pilots apply wind correction angle to get true heading, then apply magnetic variation to get magnetic heading, and finally apply compass deviation to get compass heading.
Question 3: On a sectional chart, Victor airways are shown as blue lines. How does a pilot determine the magnetic course to fly along a Victor airway?
- Read the magnetic radial printed alongside the airway line on the chart (Correct answer)
- Use the VOR compass rose and identify the relevant radial
- Calculate from the chart's lat/lon grid using true course and variation
- Ask ATC for the assigned heading
Correct answer: Read the magnetic radial printed alongside the airway line on the chart
The magnetic course to fly along a Victor airway is printed alongside the airway line on the sectional chart, derived from the VOR radial that defines the route.
Question 4: When planning a VFR flight at 9,500 feet MSL on an eastbound course (magnetic course 090°), what is the correct VFR cruising altitude rule?
- Fly at 9,500 feet — any altitude is acceptable
- Fly at odd thousands plus 500 feet for eastbound (0°–179°): 9,500 feet is correct (Correct answer)
- Fly at even thousands for eastbound: 8,000 feet
- Fly at odd thousands for eastbound: 9,000 feet
Correct answer: Fly at odd thousands plus 500 feet for eastbound (0°–179°): 9,500 feet is correct
FAA regulations require VFR aircraft above 3,000 feet AGL to fly odd thousands plus 500 feet (e.g., 3,500, 5,500, 9,500) when on magnetic courses 0°–179° (eastbound).
Question 5: What is the purpose of checking MEF values in each sectional chart grid square during VFR flight planning?
- To determine IFR minimum enroute altitudes
- To ensure planned cruise altitude provides at least 500 feet clearance above the highest terrain and obstacles (Correct answer)
- To calculate fuel burn rates over varying terrain
- To identify which squares have military activity
Correct answer: To ensure planned cruise altitude provides at least 500 feet clearance above the highest terrain and obstacles
Checking MEF values during VFR planning helps ensure the planned cruise altitude clears all terrain and obstacles — pilots typically add at least 500 feet above MEF for a safety margin.
Question 6: On a sectional chart, what does the bold blue dashed line with 'VFR FLYWAY' printed near a major city indicate?
- Mandatory VFR route through Class B airspace
- Recommended VFR flyway to help pilots avoid Class B airspace while navigating near a busy terminal area (Correct answer)
- Restricted corridor for VFR military training
- IFR transition corridor for slow aircraft
Correct answer: Recommended VFR flyway to help pilots avoid Class B airspace while navigating near a busy terminal area
VFR flyways on sectional charts are recommended (not mandatory) routes that help VFR pilots navigate around or below Class B airspace without requiring a Class B clearance.
FAA Flight Planning with Sectional Charts 2
What is the primary purpose of the latitude and longitude grid on a sectional chart?