Printable Section Chart: Your Pocket‑Size VFR Companion

When the tablet freezes or the battery dies, a printable section chart becomes an indispensable backup for any VFR pilot. This article explains every item you’ll find on a standard 1:250,000 VFR section chart, highlights the most common airport symbols, and gives a short tutorial on how to read the chart quickly—perfect for day 23 of the 31 Day Safer Pilot Challenge.

What Is a Printable Section Chart?

A printable section chart is a paper map that shows a rectangular “section” of the National Airspace System at a scale of 1:250,000. It displays topographic features, airspace boundaries, navigation aids, and airport details that are essential for visual flight rules (VFR) navigation. Pilots keep a copy in the cockpit to reference when electronic devices are unavailable.

Key Items on a Section Chart

Each chart is organized into layers of information. Below is a quick explanation of the most frequently referenced items:

  1. Map Scale and Latitude/Longitude Grid – The scale bar (usually 5 nm) and the grid help you estimate distances and plot positions.
  2. Topographic Features – Contour lines, bodies of water, forests, and urban areas give you visual cues for ground reference.
  3. Airspace Boundaries – Class B, C, D, and E airspace are outlined with different line styles and colors.
  4. Navigation Aids (NAVAIDs) – VORs, NDBs, and GPS waypoints appear with their frequencies and identifiers.
  5. Special Use Airspace (SUA) – Restricted, prohibited, and warning areas are shaded and labeled.
  6. Obstructions – Towers, wind turbines, and other tall structures are marked with height in feet.
  7. Airports – Runway orientation, length, surface type, lighting, and services are depicted with standardized symbols.

Airport Symbols on the VFR Section Chart

The lesson on “airport symbols on the VFR” breaks down each graphic you’ll encounter. Here are the most common symbols and what they mean: