VFR PPL

Question 2

How is Class B airspace depicted on a VFR sectional, and how do you read its altitudes?

Answer 2

Solid blue concentric lines. Each sector shows floor/ceiling in hundreds of feet MSL (e.g., “100/40” means TOP 10,000’ MSL, FLOOR 4,000’ MSL). Mode C veil usually surrounds the primary airport (see separate card).

Question 3

What is the Mode C veil and how is it shown on VFR charts?

Answer 3

A 30 NM radius around the primary Class B airport requiring Mode C transponder and ADS‑B Out. Depicted as a solid magenta circle labeled “Mode C.” (14 CFR 91.215/91.225).

Question 4

How is Class C airspace depicted and how are its shelves read?

Answer 4

Solid magenta lines with segmented shelves. Numbers are in hundreds of feet MSL (e.g., “40/10” means TOP 4,000’ MSL, FLOOR 1,000’ MSL). If surface area exists, it’s labeled “SFC.”

Question 5

How is Class D airspace depicted and how is the ceiling shown?

Answer 5

Dashed blue circle around the airport. A boxed number gives the ceiling in hundreds of feet MSL (e.g., “25” = 2,500’ MSL). A star after the number indicates part‑time—see Chart Supplement for hours.

Question 6

How is Class E to the surface depicted?

Answer 6

Dashed magenta line. Inside the dashed magenta boundary, Class E begins at the surface.

Question 7

How is Class E with a 700’ AGL floor depicted?

Answer 7

Magenta vignette (fuzzy magenta shading) that fades to white. Inside the shaded area the Class E floor is 700’ AGL.

Question 8

How is Class E with a 1,200’ AGL floor depicted?

Answer 8

Blue vignette (fuzzy blue shading). Inside the shaded area the Class E floor is 1,200’ AGL.

Question 9

How is Class G airspace shown on sectionals?

Answer 9

Class G isn’t explicitly shaded; it exists where Class E does not reach the surface. In general, outside dashed/vignette boundaries the surface to the overlying Class E is Class G.

Question 10

How are Prohibited Areas shown and what are the entry rules?

Answer 10

Blue hashed (hatched) boundary labeled “P‑###”. Entry is prohibited unless specifically authorized (e.g., emergencies).

Question 11

How are Restricted Areas shown and what are the entry rules?

Answer 11

Blue hashed boundary labeled “R‑###”. May be entered only with ATC clearance when active. Chart notes show altitudes, times, and controlling agency/phone.

Question 12

How are MOAs shown and what are the VFR rules?

Answer 12

Magenta hashed boundary labeled with the MOA name. VFR may enter without clearance, but exercise extreme caution. Contact the controlling agency for status when practicable.

Question 13

How are Alert Areas shown and what do they mean?

Answer 13

Magenta hashed boundary labeled “A‑###”. High volume of pilot training or unusual activity—use caution.

Question 14

How are Warning Areas shown and where are they located?

Answer 14

Blue hashed boundary labeled “W‑###”. Offshore areas with activity hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft.

Question 15

What is a National Security Area (NSA) on a sectional?

Answer 15

Thick magenta dashed boundary with notes requesting avoidance or specific altitudes. Compliance may be requested or temporarily regulated by NOTAM.

Question 16

Are TFRs shown on sectionals?

Answer 16

No. Temporary Flight Restrictions are NOT depicted on printed sectionals—always check current NOTAMs/EFB/briefing.

Question 17

What is the Washington, D.C. SFRA and how is it depicted?

Answer 17

A special area around the National Capital Region with unique entry/communication requirements; shown on TACs/sectionals with explanatory notes. Know procedures before entry.

Question 18

What is a TRSA and how is it depicted?

Answer 18

Terminal Radar Service Area: depicted with solid gray/black lines and altitudes similar to Class C shelves. It is NOT controlled airspace; VFR participation in radar service is voluntary.

Question 19

What does airport color mean (blue vs magenta)?

Answer 19

Blue airports have an operating control tower (full‑ or part‑time). Magenta airports are non‑towered.

Question 20

What do the tick marks around an airport symbol indicate?

Answer 20

Tick marks around the airport symbol mean services (e.g., fuel/maintenance) are available during normal working hours.

Question 21

Where do you find airport elevation on the chart?

Answer 21

In the airport data block—elevation is in feet MSL, typically left of the runway length value.

Question 22

How is an airport’s longest runway length shown?

Answer 22

In hundreds of feet in the data block (e.g., “52” = 5,200’).

Question 23

What does an “L” after the runway length mean?

Answer 23

Runway lighting is available. A preceding star (★L) indicates lighting limitations—see Chart Supplement.

Question 24

What is CTAF and where is it shown?

Answer 24

Common Traffic Advisory Frequency; listed in the airport’s data block. At towered airports, the circled “C” next to the TWR frequency indicates it’s the CTAF when the tower is closed.

Question 25

UNICOM vs MULTICOM—what’s the difference?

Answer 25

UNICOM is a local advisory frequency at many airports (often 122.8). MULTICOM 122.9 is used at airports without a UNICOM or CTAF specified.

Question 26

Where are ATIS/AWOS/ASOS frequencies shown?

Answer 26

In the airport data block (e.g., “AWOS‑3 118.525” or “ASOS 119.275”).

Question 27

How are right‑hand traffic patterns shown on the chart?

Answer 27

“RP” followed by runway numbers in the data block (e.g., “RP 8‑26”) indicates right traffic for those runways.

Question 28

How are control tower and ground frequencies shown?

Answer 28

In blue (towered airports), typically in the comms box near the airport: TWR, GND, ATIS, and APP/DEP as applicable.

Question 29

How is CTAF shown at non‑towered airports?

Answer 29

As “CTAF 122.x” or “UNICOM 122.x” in the data block. Use that frequency for position reports.

Question 30

What symbol denotes a seaplane base?

Answer 30

An anchor symbol with the name; may be co‑located with a land airport.

Question 31

What symbol denotes a heliport?

Answer 31

A white “H” in a magenta circle.

Question 32

How are private airports labeled?

Answer 32

With “Pvt” or “RPVT” after the name. Prior permission required (PPR).

Question 33

What does “NO SVFR” near an airport mean on a TAC/sectional?

Answer 33

Special VFR is not authorized for that airport’s airspace.

Question 34

How is a VOR shown and what info is provided?

Answer 34

A hexagon (VOR) or a hexagon with square (VORTAC); the nearby box lists frequency, Morse code ID, and sometimes TACAN/DME channel.

Question 35

What’s the difference between VOR‑DME and VORTAC?

Answer 35

VOR‑DME provides azimuth (VOR) and distance (DME). VORTAC combines VOR azimuth with TACAN distance—functionally similar to VOR‑DME for civil use.

Question 36

How is “no voice” capability on a NAVAID indicated?

Answer 36

The NAVAID frequency is underlined—no voice transmissions on that frequency.

Question 37

What does “122.1R” mean in an FSS communications note?

Answer 37

Transmit to FSS on 122.1 (they receive on that freq), but listen for the FSS reply on the associated NAVAID’s voice frequency (the “R” means receive only at FSS on 122.1).

Question 38

What is a VFR waypoint and how is it depicted?

Answer 38

A small magenta 4‑point star with label “VPxxx”; may be used as visual reporting points for VFR navigation/ATC.

Question 39

How are VFR checkpoints shown?

Answer 39

A magenta flag symbol with a named landmark—used for position reporting to ATC/CTAF.

Question 40

How is an NDB shown and what is listed?

Answer 40

An open circle with a dot (and “NDB” label where needed); frequency in kHz is listed nearby.

Question 41

What is an RCO (Remote Communications Outlet)?

Answer 41

A frequency associated with an FSS site to reach Flight Service (often near a VOR box); notes may show the controlling FSS name.

Question 42

How are single vs group obstacles shown?

Answer 42

A tower symbol indicates a single obstacle; two side‑by‑side symbols indicate a group of obstacles.

Question 43

How is a lighted obstacle indicated?

Answer 43

An open (hollow) circle at the top of the obstacle symbol indicates it is lighted.

Question 44

What do the obstacle elevation numbers mean (e.g., “1543 (275)”) ?

Answer 44

The larger number is the top of the obstacle in feet MSL; the number in parentheses is the height above ground level (AGL).

Question 45

How are very tall obstacles (≥ 1,000’ AGL) emphasized?

Answer 45

With a taller, bolder obstacle symbol to draw attention.

Question 46

What does “UC” near an obstacle height mean?

Answer 46

Unverified or uncertain—height is not survey‑verified.

Question 47

How are wind turbines/wind farms shown?

Answer 47

Individual turbines have a specific symbol; wind farms may have a dashed boundary outline where appropriate.

Question 48

How are powerlines depicted?

Answer 48

A jagged line with small tower symbols; watch for river/valley crossings where lines may be hard to see.

Question 49

What is MEF and where do you find it?

Answer 49

Maximum Elevation Figure—large blue numbers in each lat/long quadrangle. First digit = thousands, next two = hundreds. Represents the highest terrain/obstacle in the quadrangle plus buffer.

Question 50

What do contour lines and terrain color tints show?

Answer 50

Contour lines show elevation changes; hypsometric color tints show elevation bands (darker colors generally indicate higher terrain).

Question 51

What are spot elevations?

Answer 51

Point elevations of the terrain in feet MSL, shown as small black numbers at specific points.

Question 52

What is shaded relief?

Answer 52

Terrain shading that provides a 3‑D visual sense of slope/aspect; it’s not precise for altitude but aids situational awareness.

Question 53

How are Military Training Routes (MTRs) labeled and what do IR/VR and digit counts mean?

Answer 53

“IR” (IFR, some segments may be IFR) or “VR” (VFR) followed by a number. Four digits: route segments at/below 1,500’ AGL. Three digits: segments include portions above 1,500’ AGL.

Question 54

What’s the rule of thumb when crossing an active MTR?

Answer 54

Cross at 90° if possible and at an odd altitude not used by the route, while maintaining vigilant lookout; obtain traffic advisories if available.

Question 55

How are parachute jumping areas shown?

Answer 55

Parachute symbol with notes (frequencies/altitudes/times) nearby—avoid or coordinate as appropriate.

Question 56

How are glider operations shown?

Answer 56

Glider symbol near the activity area or airport; expect intensive soaring activity and thermals.

Question 57

How are ultralight activity areas shown?

Answer 57

Ultralight symbol and notes where charted; expect very low‑altitude, slow‑moving traffic.

Question 58

How are wildlife refuges/conservation areas addressed on charts?

Answer 58

Outlined (often blue hashed) with notes requesting pilots avoid flight below 2,000’ AGL to protect wildlife.

Question 59

How is an ADIZ shown and what is required to cross it?

Answer 59

Depicted along coastlines/borders; crossing requires an active DVFR/IFR flight plan, discrete code, and specific position reporting procedures.

Question 60

What is the scale of a Sectional vs a TAC?

Answer 60

Sectional: 1:500,000. TAC (Terminal Area Chart): 1:250,000 (greater detail around busy airspace).

Question 61

What’s printed on the back of many TACs that helps VFR pilots?

Answer 61

The VFR Flyway Planning Chart with suggested flyways/altitudes around Class B (for planning; not a substitute for the TAC).

Question 62

How do you check chart currency?

Answer 62

Read the effective dates printed on the chart and ensure your EFB database and Chart Supplement are current for the flight.

Question 63

What is the Chart Supplement (formerly A/FD) used for?

Answer 63

Detailed airport data (runways, lighting, comms, procedures, services, remarks, hours). Always consult it for current details.

Question 64

How are isogonic lines shown and why do they matter?

Answer 64

Dashed magenta lines showing magnetic variation. Use them to convert between true and magnetic course (East is least—subtract; West is best—add).

Question 65

How can you quickly estimate distance using the chart’s latitude lines?

Answer 65

One minute of latitude equals one nautical mile. Use the latitude scale (vertical grid) for quick distance checks.

Question 66

How do you measure course and distance on a sectional?

Answer 66

Use a plotter aligned with meridians for course; use the scale or latitude minutes for distance. Remember longitude spacing shrinks with latitude.

Question 67

How should you report positions to ATC/CTAF using charted landmarks?

Answer 67

Use named VFR checkpoints, VFR waypoints (VPxxx), and prominent landmarks indicated on the chart to give precise, standard reports.

Question 68

What are VFR flyways and corridors around Class B?

Answer 68

Flyways are suggested routes on the Flyway Planning Chart to avoid Class B. Some areas also have published VFR corridors with specific procedures/altitudes—review TAC notes.

Question 69

In what color are communications boxes/frequencies shown for towered vs non‑towered fields?

Answer 69

Blue text/boxes for towered airports; magenta for non‑towered.

Question 70

How are airports with hard‑surfaced runways vs short/soft fields depicted?

Answer 70

Airports with hard‑surfaced runways ≥ 1,500’ show a runway pattern symbol approximating the layout. Short/soft‑surface fields are shown as a small open circle.

Question 71

What does the orientation of the airport symbol’s runways tell you?

Answer 71

It approximates the actual runway alignment to help quick visualization of pattern entries and wind planning.

Question 72

What does a seaplane anchor next to an airport name indicate?

Answer 72

A co‑located seaplane base operates in addition to the land runways.

Question 73

Where do you find approach/departure control frequencies for a terminal area?

Answer 73

On the chart near the airport’s communications box (APP/DEP). Use them to request flight following or transitional services.

Question 74

What should you consult for part‑time Class D hours, lighting limitations, or special notes?

Answer 74

The Chart Supplement—sectionals often flag part‑time status (e.g., star) but details live in the Supplement.

Question 75

When planning night VFR over sparsely lit terrain, what on the chart helps assess risk?

Answer 75

MEFs, obstacle symbols/heights, and terrain tints/spot elevations. Plan conservative altitudes and routes with good ground reference.

Question 76

If a sectional and TAC overlap your route, which should you navigate with in the terminal area?

Answer 76

Use the TAC for detailed terminal airspace/frequencies/landmarks; keep the sectional for the enroute portion.

Question 77

Are Victor airways depicted on sectionals?

Answer 77

No. Victor airways are IFR low‑enroute features; sectionals focus on VFR‑relevant info (some IFR fixes may appear where useful).

Question 78

How do you find the controlling agency and times for special use airspace?

Answer 78

Read the label next to the SUA boundary (times/altitudes/agency/phone). If in doubt, contact FSS for current status.

Question 79

What chart cue helps you find the magnetic direction of VOR radials vs true?

Answer 79

Isogonic lines show local variation so you know VOR radials are magnetic bearings; courses you plot should account for variation.

Question 80

What does the magenta “SFC” label in an airspace shelf mean?

Answer 80

That shelf begins at the surface (Class C/E to surface as applicable).

Question 81

What does an underline under an ATC frequency signify on some charts?

Answer 81

On NAVAIDs: underlined frequency indicates no voice capability. (ATC comm frequencies are not typically underlined.)

Question 82

What is the difference between a VFR checkpoint and a VFR waypoint?

Answer 82

Checkpoint: named landmark with a magenta flag used for reports. VFR waypoint: charted point labeled VPxxx with a small magenta star, usable for navigation and reporting.

Question 83

What’s the best single place on the chart to learn unfamiliar symbols?

Answer 83

The chart legend (usually printed on each sectional/TAC). Study it before the checkride and flight.