Towered airports are a little more complex than non-towered airports, so it's important to know what you are looking for on a sectional. Entering the tower's airspace without all the proper information and communications is a big deal and may get you in trouble. This lesson will teach you what you need to know to stay safe and legal. First, we can tell whether the airport has … [Read more...] about Towered Airport Diagrams – Sectional Chart
Runway
Approach Plate Airport Diagram
The airport diagram section of the instrument approach chart gives the pilot the complete overview of the airport he or she is flying to. The information provided includes airport elevation, runway layouts, lighting, runway lengths, approach path, and approach timing. All of this information is critical if the pilot intends to break out and land at the runway, since … [Read more...] about Approach Plate Airport Diagram
Straight in Approach vs. Straight in Landing
What's the difference? You make a straight in approach to a straight in landing, right? No so fast. While these two terms seem to be nearly identical they actually have a completely different meaning. Straight-In Approach: An instrument approach wherein final approach is begun without first having executed a procedure turn Not necessarily completed with a straight-in … [Read more...] about Straight in Approach vs. Straight in Landing
Approach Plate Margin Data
Now that you've seen an overview of approach plate basics, it's time to dive in to the individual components of an approach plate. This lesson starts with the margin data. Many pilots dismiss the margin data on FAA approach plates as simply being the airport name and the name of the approach they are going to fly. While those two important items are on every plate, there is a … [Read more...] about Approach Plate Margin Data