Lesson 25

Key Elements on Sectional Charts

Understanding these elements on a sectional chart is crucial for pilots, including those operating drones under FAA Part 107. These features aid in navigation, help maintain situational awareness, and ensure compliance with airspace regulations and safety considerations during flight operations.

VFR Checkpoints (Flag Symbol)
Notification Boxes
Isogonic Lines
Maximum Elevation Figures

Study Guide

VFR Checkpoints (Flag Symbol)

On sectional charts, visual flight rules (VFR) checkpoints are indicated by a small magenta flag symbol.

A VFR (Visual Flight Rules) checkpoint is a prominent visual landmarks that pilots can use for navigation and orientation. They are very recognizable from the ground, making them ideal navigational aids during visual flight rule flights.

Because these points are frequently used for navigation and position reporting, a larger volume of air traffic can be expected in the vicinity of a VFR checkpoint.

Notification Checkboxes

Notification boxes on sectional charts provide important information that pilots need to be aware of for safe flight.

These may include details about temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), parachute jumping areas, aerial events, or other special activities that could affect the airspace.

Isogonic Lines

On a sectional chart isogonic lines indicate the angular difference between true north and magnetic north. By knowing the local magnetic variation, pilots can adjust their compass headings for precise navigation.The isogonic lines are labeled with the magnetic variation value in degrees.

Isogonic lines are lines on a sectional chat that connect points of equal magnetic declination, the angle between magnetic north (the direction a magnetic compass points) and true north (geographic north).

These lines help navigators understand how much they need to correct their compass readings to account for differences between magnetic north and true north.

Fun fact: William Hayley is known for discovering Hayley’s Comet, but he also played a key role in mapping and understanding Earth’s magnetic field and its variations, including the study of isogonic lines.

Maximum Elevation Figures (MEFs)

Maximum Elevation Figures provide information about the highest elevation within a given area of the sectional chart. MEFs offer a reference for maintaining a safe altitude above the highest terrain in the charted area.

Within the MEF box, there will be a numerical value representing the highest elevation within that chart area. This value is given in hundreds of feet above sea level (MSL).

For example, if the MEF is listed as “145,” it means the highest elevation in that quadrangle is 14,500 feet MSL.

Unmarked Balloons

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Parachute Jumping & Glider Information (Chart Supplement)

For information about the parachute jumping and glider information, look within the Chart Supplement in the the Airport/Facility Directory.

The Chart Supplement provides comprehensive details about various airports and facilities, including specific activities like parachute jumping and glider operations.

Within the airport directory in the chart supplement, you’ll find the locations of parachute and glider drop zones and the times these activities typically occur.

Practice Quiz

Visual Reference Points

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3. What precautions should a drone operator take when flying near a designated MOA?

A. No specific precautions are required for drone operators near MOAs.

B. Notify the nearest air traffic control tower and proceed with the flight as planned.

C. Exercise extreme caution, check for active MOA times, and consider alternative routes or avoiding the area.

Correct Answer: C. Exercise extreme caution, check for active MOA times, and consider alternative routes or avoiding the area.

Description: When flying near a designated Military Operating Area (MOA), drone operators should exercise extreme caution. It is essential to check for active MOA times, as military aircraft activities may pose risks to drone operations. Considering alternative routes or avoiding the MOA altogether enhances the safety of both drone operations and manned aircraft within the designated area.

What regulations govern the operation of drones in or near Military Operating Areas (MOAs)?

A. There are no specific regulations for drone operations near MOAs.

B. Part 107 regulations do not apply in MOAs; only military guidelines are relevant.

C. Part 107 regulations apply, and drone pilots must comply with airspace restrictions and obtain necessary authorizations.

Correct Answer:
C. Part 107 regulations apply, and drone pilots must comply with airspace restrictions and obtain necessary authorizations.

Description:
Drone operations in or near Military Operating Areas (MOAs) are governed by Part 107 regulations. Drone pilots must comply with airspace restrictions, be aware of MOA operating hours, and obtain necessary authorizations from controlling agencies when required. Adhering to Part 107 regulations ensures safe and lawful drone operations within MOA airspace.

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(Refer to Figure 59, area 2) The chart shows a gray line with “VR1667, VR1617, VR1638, and VR 1668.” Could this area present a hazard to the operations of a small UA?

A. No, all operations will be above 400 feet
B. Yes, this is a Military Training Route from 1,500 feet AGL
C. Yes, the defined route provides traffic separation to manned aircraft.

Answer: B. Yes, this is a Military Training Route from 1,500 feet AGL.

Description:
It is important to understand this because low-flying military helicoptors may be flying this route, often at 400 feet or below.

VRs vs IRs:
> MTRs with no segment above 1,500 ft AGL must be identified by four numbers (i.e. IR1206, VR1207)
> MTRs that include one or more segments above 1,500 ft AGL must be identified by three numbers (i.e. IR206, VR207).

Click image to expand

(Refer to Figure 21) You have been hired by a farmer to use your small UA to inspect her crops. The area that you are to survey is the Devil’s Lake West MOA, east of area 2. How would you find out if the MOA is active?

A. Refer to the Sectional Chart legend on the border of the chart

B. This information is available in the Small UAS database

C. In the Military Operation Directory

Answer: A

Explanation:
An MOA, or Military Operating Area, details can be located on the sectional chart’s border, providing information such as the MOA’s name, operating altitude, time of use, radio frequency, and the controlling/contact facility overseeing the MOA.

Watch out for these tricks too. Answers B and C are not possible because there is no such thing as either.

  • Small UAS database – There is no such thing.
  • Military Operation Directory – There is no such thing.

How might the presence of an active MOA impact a drone pilot’s decision-making regarding altitude and route planning?

A. The drone can fly at any altitude since MOAs are exclusively for manned aircraft.
B. The drone should maintain the maximum allowed altitude as specified in Part 107 regulations.
C. The drone should avoid the MOA or fly at an altitude specified in the sectional chart and exercise caution.

Correct Answer: C. The drone should avoid the MOA or fly at an altitude specified in the sectional chart and exercise caution.

Description: When there is an active Military Operating Area (MOA), drone pilots should avoid the area if possible. If it is necessary to fly within or near an MOA, the drone should operate at an altitude specified on the sectional chart. Additionally, exercising caution and being aware of potential military aircraft activities is crucial for ensuring safe drone operations in the vicinity of MOAs.