Free FAA-107 Sectional Chart Symbology Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On a sectional chart, what does the symbol of a tower with a number like 1549 (1249) represent?
- The obstacle's height is 1549 feet AGL and 1249 feet MSL.
- The obstacle is a group of towers with the tallest being 1549 feet MSL.
- The obstacle's top is at 1549 feet MSL, and its base is at 1249 feet MSL.
- The obstacle's top is at 1549 feet MSL, and its height is 1249 feet AGL. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The obstacle's top is at 1549 feet MSL, and its height is 1249 feet AGL.
The top number (1549) represents the height of the obstacle's top in feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL). The number in parentheses (1249) represents the height of the obstacle in feet Above Ground Level (AGL).
Question 2: In the airport data block on a sectional chart, what does the letter "L" next to the runway length indicate?
- The airport has low-intensity runway lighting.
- The airport has lighting available. (Correct answer)
- The airport is a Left-hand traffic pattern airport.
- The runway is less than 8,069 feet long.
Correct answer: The airport has lighting available.
The "L" in the airport data block indicates that the airport has lighting facilities. An asterisk (*) next to the "L" signifies that the lighting operates on a limited schedule or requires pilot activation.
Question 3: What type of information is provided by a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM)?
- Long-term, unchanging aeronautical information.
- Historical weather data for flight planning.
- Time-critical information that is temporary or not known in advance to be published on charts. (Correct answer)
- A monthly summary of all changes to aeronautical charts.
Correct answer: Time-critical information that is temporary or not known in advance to be published on charts.
NOTAMs provide time-critical information essential for flight operations that is not published on charts, such as runway closures, temporary obstacles like cranes, or inoperative navigation aids. Remote pilots must check for NOTAMs before every flight.
Question 4: How is a private airport depicted on a sectional chart?
- As a solid blue circle.
- As a magenta circle with an "R" inside. (Correct answer)
- As a blue circle with an "R" inside.
- As an open magenta circle with the letter "Pvt" next to the airport name.
Correct answer: As a magenta circle with an "R" inside.
A private airport is shown as a circle with an "R" in the middle, depicted in magenta. The "R" signifies that it is a restricted or private airport, and prior permission is required for use.
Question 5: When a sectional chart shows an obstacle at 1200 (450), and the surrounding terrain elevation is 750 feet MSL, what is the height of the obstacle above the ground?
- 1200 feet
- 750 feet
- 450 feet (Correct answer)
- 1650 feet
Correct answer: 450 feet
The number in parentheses always indicates the height of the obstacle in feet Above Ground Level (AGL). The number outside the parentheses (1200) is the height in Mean Sea Level (MSL), which is calculated as terrain elevation (750 ft) plus the AGL height (450 ft).
Question 6: What does a small magenta flag symbol on a sectional chart indicate?
- A designated parachute jumping area.
- A prominent visual checkpoint for VFR navigation. (Correct answer)
- A location of an ultralight flight park.
- A military training route.
Correct answer: A prominent visual checkpoint for VFR navigation.
A magenta flag on a sectional chart marks a VFR (Visual Flight Rules) checkpoint. These are prominent geographical features that can be used by pilots to visually identify their position.
On a sectional chart, what does the symbol of a tower with a number like 1549 (1249) represent?