Sectional Chart Symbology Flashcards
6 cards from real FAA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Sectional Chart Symbology flashcards as text
On a sectional chart, what does the symbol of a tower with a number like 1549 (1249) represent?
Answer: The obstacle's top is at 1549 feet MSL, and its height is 1249 feet AGL.
The top number (1549) represents the height of the obstacle's top in feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL). The number in parentheses (1249) represents the height of the obstacle in feet Above Ground Level (AGL).
In the airport data block on a sectional chart, what does the letter "L" next to the runway length indicate?
Answer: The airport has lighting available.
The "L" in the airport data block indicates that the airport has lighting facilities. An asterisk (*) next to the "L" signifies that the lighting operates on a limited schedule or requires pilot activation.
What type of information is provided by a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM)?
Answer: Time-critical information that is temporary or not known in advance to be published on charts.
NOTAMs provide time-critical information essential for flight operations that is not published on charts, such as runway closures, temporary obstacles like cranes, or inoperative navigation aids. Remote pilots must check for NOTAMs before every flight.
How is a private airport depicted on a sectional chart?
Answer: As a magenta circle with an "R" inside.
A private airport is shown as a circle with an "R" in the middle, depicted in magenta. The "R" signifies that it is a restricted or private airport, and prior permission is required for use.
When a sectional chart shows an obstacle at 1200 (450), and the surrounding terrain elevation is 750 feet MSL, what is the height of the obstacle above the ground?
Answer: 450 feet
The number in parentheses always indicates the height of the obstacle in feet Above Ground Level (AGL). The number outside the parentheses (1200) is the height in Mean Sea Level (MSL), which is calculated as terrain elevation (750 ft) plus the AGL height (450 ft).
What does a small magenta flag symbol on a sectional chart indicate?
Answer: A prominent visual checkpoint for VFR navigation.
A magenta flag on a sectional chart marks a VFR (Visual Flight Rules) checkpoint. These are prominent geographical features that can be used by pilots to visually identify their position.