Chart Basics
Sectional Charts Are Aviation Maps
A sectional chart is the pilot's map of the National Airspace System. It shows airspace boundaries, airports, obstacles, terrain, navigation aids, special use areas, and other features needed to plan a safe flight.
- Sectionals are updated on a regular FAA chart cycle — use current charts only.
- They use colors, symbols, numbers, and line styles to encode information.
- Drone pilots use sectionals to identify controlled airspace, obstacles, terrain, and hazards.
- The FAA exam expects you to interpret chart excerpts, not just memorize rules.
Exam mindset
Every chart question is a scavenger hunt: locate the symbol, read the surrounding labels, then apply Part 107 limits.