Remote Pilot Study Guide 2025: Sectional Chart Symbols

Overview

• Focus on sectional chart symbols vital for the remote pilot exam.
• Topics include airspace classifications, airport data, altitude identification, navigational aid symbols, and more.

Airmen Knowledge Testing Supplement

• Essential tool for exam preparation.
• Pay attention to the numbers on the top right.
• Legend on the first page is crucial for understanding symbols and their meanings.

Detailed Symbol Explanations

Airspace Classifications

• Class E Airspace:
  • Begins at 1,200 ft AGL or designated altitudes marked by symbols.
  • Requires compliance with Part 107 rules and possible ATC authorization.
• Class G Airspace:
  • Uncontrolled, goes up to 3,399 ft MSL below Class E.
  • Max operational height is 400 ft AGL in Class G without authorization.
• Class C Airspace:
  • Starts at surface, typically goes up to 4,700 ft MSL.
  • Contains multiple airports and airspaces.
• Class D Airspace:
  • Ceiling defined by boxed numbers with minus sign indicating up to but not including that altitude.
• Mode C Veil:
  • 30 nautical miles from Class B airport center.
  • Requires all aircraft, including VFR, to have a transponder with Mode C.

Airport Data

• Magenta vs. Blue Airports:
  • Magenta: Nontowered, soft runways.
  • Blue: Towered, hard surfaces.
• Other Runway Surfaces:
  • Grass, gravel, dirt, turf.
• Abandoned and Unverified Airports:
  • Marked with an X or U, respectively.
  • Landing at abandoned airports is generally prohibited unless emergency.

Navigational Aids and Symbols

• Faded Blue and Magenta Lines:
  • Indicate various airspace floors and boundaries.
• VORDME Station:
  • Used for position determination, hexagon symbol with a dot.
• Isogonic Lines:
  • Adjust course for magnetic deviation.
• Victor Airways:
  • Low-altitude navigation routes marked by V and numbers.

Other Symbols

• Obstructions:
  • Indicated by blue triangles, heights shown in MSL and AGL.
  • Under construction marked with 'U'.
• TAC Boundary:
  • Detailed area chart around major airports.
• Restricted Areas:
  • Marked with perpendicular blue hash lines, require permission to enter.

Example Symbols on Charts

• Symbols like dashed magenta lines and sea plane base symbols.
• Identifies and explains complex symbols found in sectional charts.

Conclusion

• Understanding these symbols is critical for passing the Part 107 exam.
• Attention to detail and familiarity with these elements will aid in exam success.