FAA Private Pilot Airman Knowledge Test — Sectional Charts — Questions and Answers

Question 1: On a sectional chart, what do the numbers printed inside Victor airway lines (e.g., 'V-105') indicate?

The distance in nm along the airway
The NAVAID frequency to monitor
The magnetic course to fly along that airway
The airway number for identification in flight plans and ATC communications (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The airway number for identification in flight plans and ATC communications

The Victor airway number (like V-105) printed inside or beside the airway line is the route's official identifier used in flight plans, ATC clearances, and en route charts.

Question 2: On a sectional chart, what does the tick-mark pattern inside an airport circle symbol convey?

Traffic pattern altitude in hundreds of feet
The number of instrument approaches available
Runway surface quality ratings
The approximate orientation of runways at that airport (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The approximate orientation of runways at that airport

The tick marks inside an airport circle on a sectional chart represent the approximate magnetic orientation of the runways at that airport.

Question 3: What does a VORTAC symbol represent on a sectional chart?

A VOR used only for TAC aircraft
A VOR with terrain avoidance capability
A VOR collocated with a TACAN military beacon providing DME to civil aircraft (Correct answer)
A terminal VOR with automatic ATIS

Correct answer: A VOR collocated with a TACAN military beacon providing DME to civil aircraft

A VORTAC is a VOR collocated with a military TACAN station, providing civil pilots with VOR bearing information and DME distance from the TACAN component.

Question 4: On a sectional chart, what does the CT frequency shown in an airport data block represent?

Clearance delivery frequency
Control Tower communication frequency (Correct answer)
Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF)
Clearance, Takeoff (CT) frequency for IFR departures

Correct answer: Control Tower communication frequency

CT followed by a frequency in an airport data block on a sectional chart is the Control Tower frequency used for communication with ATC at towered airports.

Question 5: What does a cross (+) pattern inside an airport circle on a sectional chart typically indicate?

Emergency-only airport
The airport has instrument approaches from all four directions
Runways are oriented in two intersecting directions (Correct answer)
Helicopter-and-fixed-wing joint use

Correct answer: Runways are oriented in two intersecting directions

A cross or plus pattern of tick marks inside the airport symbol on a sectional chart shows that the airport has intersecting runways aligned in two different directions.

Question 6: On a sectional chart, what does the bold blue dashed line with 'VFR FLYWAY' printed near a major city indicate?

IFR transition corridor for slow aircraft
Recommended VFR flyway to help pilots avoid Class B airspace while navigating near a busy terminal area (Correct answer)
Restricted corridor for VFR military training
Mandatory VFR route through Class B airspace

Correct answer: Recommended VFR flyway to help pilots avoid Class B airspace while navigating near a busy terminal area

VFR flyways on sectional charts are recommended (not mandatory) routes that help VFR pilots navigate around or below Class B airspace without requiring a Class B clearance.

Question 7: What is the typical upper limit of Class G (uncontrolled) airspace in the US where Class E begins at 1,200 feet AGL?

3,000 feet MSL
700 feet AGL
14,500 feet MSL
1,200 feet AGL (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1,200 feet AGL

In areas where Class E begins at 1,200 feet AGL, Class G airspace extends from the surface up to (but not including) 1,200 feet AGL.

Question 8: The MEF value on a sectional chart represents what?

Maximum elevation of FAA-charted obstacles
Highest known elevation plus a 100-foot buffer within a grid square, rounded up to nearest 100 feet (Correct answer)
Mean elevation of terrain in the grid square
Minimum enroute altitude for VFR flight

Correct answer: Highest known elevation plus a 100-foot buffer within a grid square, rounded up to nearest 100 feet

The MEF is calculated by taking the highest terrain or obstacle in a grid square, adding a 100-foot buffer, and rounding up to the next 100-foot increment.

Question 9: On a sectional chart, what does the number following 'FSS' in an airport data block identify?

The runway friction surface score
The associated Flight Service Station and its remote communication frequency (Correct answer)
The fuel service station number
The fixed-base operator (FBO) phone number

Correct answer: The associated Flight Service Station and its remote communication frequency

FSS in an airport data block identifies the associated Flight Service Station that provides weather briefings, flight plan filing, and pilot support on the listed frequency.

Question 10: Which type of special use airspace prohibits all aircraft operations without specific authorization?

Restricted Area
Warning Area
Alert Area
Prohibited Area (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Prohibited Area

Prohibited Areas forbid all aircraft operations without authorization, typically established for national security such as over the White House.

Question 11: On a sectional chart, a VOR symbol with a surrounding compass rose indicates what?

The VOR radials can be used for navigation (Correct answer)
The VOR is a terminal VOR (TVOR)
The VOR has ILS capability
The VOR has DME collocated

Correct answer: The VOR radials can be used for navigation

The compass rose printed around a VOR on a sectional chart is aligned to magnetic north and shows the orientation of the VOR's radials for navigation planning.

Question 12: On a sectional chart airport data block, what does the number shown to the right of the airport name elevation indicate?

Longest runway length in hundreds of feet (Correct answer)
Number of runways
Distance to the nearest VOR
Traffic pattern altitude in MSL

Correct answer: Longest runway length in hundreds of feet

The number to the right of airport elevation in the data block represents the longest runway length expressed in hundreds of feet (e.g., '60' means 6,000 feet).

Question 13: What color are contour lines used to depict terrain elevation on a sectional chart?

Brown (Correct answer)
Blue
Green
Black

Correct answer: Brown

Brown (also described as tan) contour lines are used on sectional charts to depict terrain elevation above mean sea level.

Question 14: What is the purpose of the 'MOCA' value sometimes shown along Victor airways on sectional charts?

It is the Minimum Off-route Clearance Altitude for IFR diversions
It is the Mean Obstacle Clearance Altitude for VFR planning
It is the Maximum Operating Ceiling Altitude for the airway
It is the Minimum Obstacle Clearance Altitude, guaranteeing terrain clearance but only NAVAID reception within 22 nm of a VOR (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It is the Minimum Obstacle Clearance Altitude, guaranteeing terrain clearance but only NAVAID reception within 22 nm of a VOR

The MOCA (Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude) ensures obstacle clearance along the full route but only guarantees VOR signal reception within 22 nautical miles of the VOR.

Question 15: What is the purpose of checking MEF values in each sectional chart grid square during VFR flight planning?

To ensure planned cruise altitude provides at least 500 feet clearance above the highest terrain and obstacles (Correct answer)
To identify which squares have military activity
To calculate fuel burn rates over varying terrain
To determine IFR minimum enroute altitudes

Correct answer: To ensure planned cruise altitude provides at least 500 feet clearance above the highest terrain and obstacles

Checking MEF values during VFR planning helps ensure the planned cruise altitude clears all terrain and obstacles — pilots typically add at least 500 feet above MEF for a safety margin.

Question 16: What symbol on a sectional chart represents a non-directional beacon (NDB)?

Solid blue compass rose with dot
Magenta dot inside a circle
Open blue circle
Magenta circle with dot (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Magenta circle with dot

An NDB on a sectional chart is shown as a magenta circle with a central dot, distinguishing it from the blue VOR symbol.

Question 17: What does 'L' in an airport data block on a sectional chart indicate?

Limited fuel available
Large aircraft operations only
Airport has runway lighting (Correct answer)
Left traffic pattern in use

Correct answer: Airport has runway lighting

The 'L' in an airport data block on a sectional chart indicates the airport has runway lighting available for night operations.

Question 18: Detailed information about special use airspace hours of operation and controlling agencies is found in:

The FAA Chart Supplement (Airport/Facility Directory) (Correct answer)
ATIS broadcasts at nearby airports
The sectional chart legend only
Only the FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)

Correct answer: The FAA Chart Supplement (Airport/Facility Directory)

The Chart Supplement (formerly Airport/Facility Directory) contains comprehensive details on special use airspace including hours of operation and controlling agencies.

Question 19: What does 'MEA' printed alongside a Victor airway on a sectional chart stand for?

Maximum Expected Altitude
Minimum Enroute Altitude (Correct answer)
Mean En route Altitude
Minimum Established Airway

Correct answer: Minimum Enroute Altitude

MEA (Minimum Enroute Altitude) is the lowest published altitude along an airway segment that ensures obstacle clearance and adequate signal reception from NAVAIDs.

Question 20: When a Restricted Area's hours of operation are listed as 'by NOTAM,' this indicates:

The area is continuously active without interruption
Pilots must file a NOTAM before entering the area
The area is permanently inactive
The area's activation times are announced through Notice to Air Missions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The area's activation times are announced through Notice to Air Missions

'By NOTAM' means activation times are not fixed — pilots must check current NOTAMs to determine whether the Restricted Area is active before flight.

Question 21: On a sectional chart, airport elevation is shown in what measurement unit?

Feet above ground level (AGL)
Meters above sea level
Feet above mean sea level (MSL) (Correct answer)
Feet above the nearest VOR elevation

Correct answer: Feet above mean sea level (MSL)

Airport elevation printed in the airport data block on a sectional chart is expressed in feet above mean sea level (MSL).

Question 22: A distinctive landmark or visual checkpoint on a sectional chart is often depicted by what symbol type?

A star symbol with the landmark name
A small flag pennant
A magenta circle or dot with the landmark name in magenta text (Correct answer)
A bold black X

Correct answer: A magenta circle or dot with the landmark name in magenta text

Visual checkpoints and prominent landmarks on sectional charts are typically shown as magenta circles or symbols with labels in magenta text to help VFR pilots identify them from the air.

Question 23: What does the 'ATIS' frequency shown in an airport data block on a sectional chart provide?

Automatic Terminal Information Service with current weather and NOTAMs (Correct answer)
Air-to-surface radio frequency for military use
Air Traffic Information Service for flight following
Airport Traffic Instruction System for VFR sequencing

Correct answer: Automatic Terminal Information Service with current weather and NOTAMs

ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) is a continuous recorded broadcast of weather, active runways, and NOTAMs at busy airports that pilots should monitor before contacting ATC.

Question 24: Which class of airspace requires an ATC clearance before entry, even in VMC conditions?

Class C
Class B (Correct answer)
Class E
Class D

Correct answer: Class B

Class B airspace requires an explicit ATC clearance to enter regardless of weather conditions or the type of flight being conducted.

Question 25: On a sectional chart, Warning Areas are typically depicted:

Only in the continental United States interior regions
Over major metropolitan areas and military bases inland
Along U.S. coastlines and over international waters (Correct answer)
Over designated wilderness and national park areas

Correct answer: Along U.S. coastlines and over international waters

Warning Areas are located in international airspace beginning 3 nautical miles from U.S. coastlines, where the FAA cannot prohibit flight but can warn pilots.

Question 26: What does a group obstruction symbol (multiple obstruction symbols clustered together) on a sectional chart represent?

A wind farm or multiple towers in close proximity (Correct answer)
A parachute drop zone
An industrial complex with no vertical hazard
A restricted military range

Correct answer: A wind farm or multiple towers in close proximity

Grouped obstruction symbols on a sectional chart typically represent wind farms, antenna farms, or clusters of towers in close proximity that pose hazards to low-flying aircraft.

Question 27: On a sectional chart, an airport shown with a 'R' in its data block indicates what?

Refueling available
Runway is restricted to IFR only
Runway is right-hand traffic only
Prior permission required (private airport) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Prior permission required (private airport)

An 'R' in an airport's data block on a sectional chart indicates the airport is private or restricted and requires prior permission to land.

Question 28: What minimum equipment is required to enter Class C airspace according to FAA regulations?

Two-way radio only
IFR certification and transponder
Mode C transponder and two-way radio (Correct answer)
ADS-B Out only

Correct answer: Mode C transponder and two-way radio

Class C airspace requires a two-way radio for communication with ATC and a Mode C transponder (or ADS-B Out with altitude reporting) for entry.

Question 29: On a sectional chart, what does 'UNICOM' frequency in an airport data block represent?

Universal Instrument Communication system for IFR
A private aeronautical advisory radio station providing airport information and possibly FBO services (Correct answer)
Universal Navigation and Communications channel
Unified ATC communications frequency

Correct answer: A private aeronautical advisory radio station providing airport information and possibly FBO services

UNICOM is a private, non-government aeronautical radio station at many airports that provides pilot advisory services such as runway in use, winds, and FBO services.

Question 30: On a sectional chart, a heliport is depicted by what symbol?

Blue square with 'H'
Magenta rotor-blade symbol
Diamond with 'H' label
Small circle with 'H' inside (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Small circle with 'H' inside

Heliports on sectional charts are shown as small circles with the letter 'H' inside, indicating a designated landing area for helicopters.

Question 31: On a sectional chart, the mileage shown between two waypoints along a Victor airway is measured in what units?

Kilometers
Statute miles
Nautical miles (Correct answer)
Nautical miles rounded to statute miles

Correct answer: Nautical miles

Distances along airways and between waypoints on sectional charts are always expressed in nautical miles (nm).

Question 32: On a sectional chart, a non-towered airport with a paved runway is depicted by what symbol?

Blue circle with tick marks
Solid blue circle
Open blue square
Magenta circle with tick marks (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Magenta circle with tick marks

Non-towered airports with paved runways appear as magenta circles with tick marks representing runway orientations on sectional charts.

Question 33: On a sectional chart, what does a spot elevation (small X with a number) indicate?

A radio tower height
A VFR reporting checkpoint elevation
The exact surveyed elevation at that point in feet MSL (Correct answer)
A minimum crossing altitude

Correct answer: The exact surveyed elevation at that point in feet MSL

Spot elevations shown as small X marks with numbers on a sectional chart represent precisely surveyed terrain heights in feet above mean sea level at that specific location.

Question 34: What does the chart publication date printed on a sectional chart margin tell a pilot?

The date after which the chart is no longer current for IFR use
Only the printing date, with no regulatory significance
The effective date and expiration date of the chart for legal VFR navigation (Correct answer)
When the chart was first surveyed

Correct answer: The effective date and expiration date of the chart for legal VFR navigation

The effective date and expiration date printed on a sectional chart margin define the period during which the chart is considered current and legally usable for VFR navigation.

Question 35: What color is used on sectional charts to indicate areas of dense vegetation or forested terrain?

Yellow
Tan
Brown
Green (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Green

Green shading on a sectional chart indicates forested or heavily vegetated terrain areas.

Question 36: On a sectional chart, a seaplane base is depicted by what symbol?

An open circle with a wave or anchor symbol (Correct answer)
A circle with an anchor icon
A circle with 'SEA' label
A blue diamond shape

Correct answer: An open circle with a wave or anchor symbol

Seaplane bases on sectional charts are shown with an open circle containing an anchor symbol or wave pattern to differentiate them from land airports.

Question 37: What does 'UC' next to an obstruction symbol on a sectional chart mean?

Unlighted chimney
Uncontrolled course
Under construction (Correct answer)
Unverified coordinates

Correct answer: Under construction

'UC' beside an obstruction symbol on a sectional chart indicates the structure is under construction and may not yet be at its charted final height.

Question 38: On a VFR sectional chart, Military Operations Area (MOA) boundaries are depicted using:

Dashed magenta lines (Correct answer)
Solid blue lines
Blue crosshatching
Solid red lines

Correct answer: Dashed magenta lines

MOA boundaries are shown with dashed magenta lines on VFR sectional charts, distinct from restricted or prohibited area depictions which use blue.

Question 39: Alert Areas on a sectional chart notify pilots of:

Active military weapons ranges with live ordnance
High volumes of pilot training or unusual aerial activity (Correct answer)
Areas restricted to IFR operations only
Areas requiring ATC clearance for entry

Correct answer: High volumes of pilot training or unusual aerial activity

Alert Areas notify non-participating pilots of areas with unusual or concentrated aerial activity such as intensive student pilot training.

Question 40: On a sectional chart, Alert Areas are depicted to inform pilots of what?

Areas with a high volume of pilot training or unusual aerial activity (Correct answer)
Temporary flight restrictions
Active military weapons testing
Airspace requiring ATC contact

Correct answer: Areas with a high volume of pilot training or unusual aerial activity

Alert Areas shown on sectional charts notify pilots of areas with high volumes of pilot training flights or unusual types of aerial activity that may pose a hazard.

Question 41: What does a 'T' within a circle symbol printed near a Class B or C airspace on a sectional chart indicate?

Transition area for IFR arrivals
Terminal VOR located there
Mode C transponder required in that airspace ring (Correct answer)
Tower frequency for traffic pattern use

Correct answer: Mode C transponder required in that airspace ring

A circled 'T' on a sectional chart marks the outer boundary of Mode C veil airspace, reminding pilots that an altitude-reporting transponder is required within 30 nm of the primary airport.

Question 42: A solid blue line on a sectional chart represents what type of airspace boundary?

Class E airspace
Class D airspace
Class C airspace
Class B airspace (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Class B airspace

Solid blue lines with altitude data define Class B airspace segments on sectional charts.

Question 43: What symbol is used on a sectional chart to indicate a lighted obstruction above 1,000 feet AGL?

Solid triangle with dot inside
Lightning bolt symbol
High-intensity bolt symbol over a dot (Correct answer)
Solid dot with 'UC' label

Correct answer: High-intensity bolt symbol over a dot

A high-intensity strobe or lightning-bolt symbol over a dot marks obstructions above 1,000 feet AGL that are equipped with high-intensity lights.

Question 44: On a FAA sectional chart, what does a solid blue circle with a dot in the center represent?

NDB station
Obstruction light
VOR station (Correct answer)
Airport with control tower

Correct answer: VOR station

A solid blue circle with a central dot on a sectional chart indicates a VOR (Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range) station.

Question 45: What does the symbol of a glider on a sectional chart indicate?

Ultralight flight park
Soaring/glider operations area (Correct answer)
Hang glider activity zone
Restricted area

Correct answer: Soaring/glider operations area

A glider symbol on a sectional chart marks airports or areas with soaring and glider operations that may produce unpowered traffic with no radio.

Question 46: On a sectional chart, what does a small flag or pennant symbol at a VOR indicate?

It is a VOR checkpoint
The VOR is out of service
The VOR has DME capability
It is a compulsory reporting point (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It is a compulsory reporting point

A small flag at a VOR on a sectional chart marks it as a compulsory (mandatory) reporting point along an airway.

Question 47: Urban areas on a FAA sectional chart are shown in what color?

Brown
Pink
Gray
Orange/yellow (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Orange/yellow

Built-up urban areas are shown in a yellow-orange shading on FAA sectional charts to make cities and towns visually prominent.

Question 48: On a sectional chart, what does a dashed magenta circle around an airport indicate?

Class D airspace
Class E surface area (Correct answer)
Class B airspace
Class C airspace

Correct answer: Class E surface area

A dashed magenta circle around an airport on a sectional chart indicates a Class E surface area that extends from the surface upward.

Question 49: What does a number inside a Class B, C, or D airspace segment shown as, for example, '40' over '30' mean on a sectional chart?

Radial 040, distance 30 nm from VOR
Ceiling 4,000 feet MSL, floor 3,000 feet MSL (Correct answer)
Airspeed limit 40 kts, floor 30 nm radius
Ceiling FL400, floor 30,000 feet MSL

Correct answer: Ceiling 4,000 feet MSL, floor 3,000 feet MSL

Altitude numbers in airspace segments are expressed in hundreds of feet MSL, so '40' over '30' means the segment has a ceiling of 4,000 feet MSL and a floor of 3,000 feet MSL.

Question 50: On a sectional chart, the 'star' or asterisk (*) symbol in an airport data block means what?

Special ops area nearby
The airport has a star-pattern VFR approach procedure
The airport is a satellite of a larger hub
Lighting is available on part-time basis or pilot-controlled (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Lighting is available on part-time basis or pilot-controlled

An asterisk (*) next to the 'L' in an airport data block indicates lighting is available on a part-time basis or is pilot-controlled (PCL).

Question 51: When planning a VFR flight at 9,500 feet MSL on an eastbound course (magnetic course 090°), what is the correct VFR cruising altitude rule?

Fly at even thousands for eastbound: 8,000 feet
Fly at 9,500 feet — any altitude is acceptable
Fly at odd thousands plus 500 feet for eastbound (0°–179°): 9,500 feet is correct (Correct answer)
Fly at odd thousands for eastbound: 9,000 feet

Correct answer: Fly at odd thousands plus 500 feet for eastbound (0°–179°): 9,500 feet is correct

FAA regulations require VFR aircraft above 3,000 feet AGL to fly odd thousands plus 500 feet (e.g., 3,500, 5,500, 9,500) when on magnetic courses 0°–179° (eastbound).

Question 52: On a sectional chart, Interstate highways are typically depicted by what feature?

A solid blue line with route number
A double red line with highway number shield (Correct answer)
A dashed black line with milepost markers
A solid red line with route number

Correct answer: A double red line with highway number shield

Interstate highways on sectional charts appear as double red lines with a small Interstate shield showing the route number, useful as prominent visual navigation references.

Question 53: On a sectional chart, what does the 'fuel' symbol (dot inside the airport circle data block area) indicate?

24-hour fuel available
Fuel is available at the airport (at least 100LL or Jet-A) (Correct answer)
Government-subsidized fuel station
Fuel available by appointment only

Correct answer: Fuel is available at the airport (at least 100LL or Jet-A)

A fuel dot in the airport data block on a sectional chart indicates aviation fuel (at least 100LL avgas or Jet-A) is available at that airport.

Question 54: On a sectional chart, what does 'T' printed in the corner of a NAVAID data box signify?

Transponder required in that airspace
Terminal VOR with limited service volume (25 nm, 12,000 feet) (Correct answer)
Tower with collocated NAVAID
TACAN-only station, no civil use

Correct answer: Terminal VOR with limited service volume (25 nm, 12,000 feet)

A 'T' in the NAVAID box designates a Terminal VOR (TVOR) with a service volume limited to 25 nautical miles and 12,000 feet altitude, suitable only for terminal area navigation.

Question 55: What does an 'H' in the navigation aid box on a sectional chart indicate?

Helicopter-only NAVAID
High-intensity lighting on runway
Has HIWAS weather broadcast
High-altitude VOR (usable above 18,000 feet MSL) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: High-altitude VOR (usable above 18,000 feet MSL)

An 'H' designation in the NAVAID box indicates a high-altitude VOR with a service volume usable between 18,000 and 60,000 feet MSL at ranges up to 130 nm.

Question 56: What is the standard frequency range for VOR stations shown on sectional charts?

190–535 kHz
329.15–335.00 MHz
108.0–117.95 MHz (Correct answer)
225–400 MHz

Correct answer: 108.0–117.95 MHz

VORs operate in the VHF band between 108.0 and 117.95 MHz, which is reflected in the frequency listed in every VOR data box on sectional charts.

Question 57: On a sectional chart, the isogonic lines (lines of equal magnetic variation) are typically shown in what color and style?

Dashed blue lines running roughly north-south
Dashed magenta lines running roughly north-south (Correct answer)
Solid brown diagonal lines
Dashed green lines parallel to the equator

Correct answer: Dashed magenta lines running roughly north-south

Isogonic lines (lines of equal magnetic variation) are shown as dashed magenta lines running roughly north-south on FAA sectional charts, labeled with their variation value.

Question 58: What does a flag symbol on a sectional chart indicate?

Restricted area boundary
Airways intersection
Mandatory reporting point (Correct answer)
International boundary

Correct answer: Mandatory reporting point

A flag symbol on a sectional chart marks a mandatory reporting point where pilots must make a position report to ATC.

Question 59: On a sectional chart, an 'E' following a magnetic variation value (e.g., '10°E') means what for navigation?

Easterly variation means add degrees to compass heading
Easterly variation only applies when flying eastbound
Easterly means compass deviation is positive
Easterly variation means magnetic north is east of true north — subtract variation from true course to get magnetic course (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Easterly variation means magnetic north is east of true north — subtract variation from true course to get magnetic course

Easterly magnetic variation means that magnetic north lies east of true north; pilots subtract easterly variation from true course to obtain the magnetic course.

Question 60: When a sectional chart shows a VFR checkpoint with a magenta circle near a town, what information should a VFR pilot report when passing it?

Weather observations to FSS
Current altitude, airspeed, and fuel remaining
Aircraft type, position, altitude, and intentions to the appropriate ATC facility (Correct answer)
Only position and altitude to UNICOM

Correct answer: Aircraft type, position, altitude, and intentions to the appropriate ATC facility

At VFR checkpoints, pilots should report aircraft type, position (checkpoint name), altitude, and flight intentions to the appropriate ATC facility for flight following or advisory service.

Question 61: On a sectional chart, what does a gray or blue rectangular block symbol represent in an urban area?

A fuel storage depot
A significant building or structure used as a landmark (Correct answer)
Restricted military facility
An abandoned airfield

Correct answer: A significant building or structure used as a landmark

Prominent buildings such as stadiums, large factories, or well-known structures are shown as gray or blue block symbols on sectional charts as visual navigation landmarks.

Question 62: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) would appear on a sectional chart as what type of symbol?

A red shaded zone
A blue dashed boundary
Permanent dashed circle
It is NOT shown on paper sectional charts — check NOTAMs (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It is NOT shown on paper sectional charts — check NOTAMs

TFRs are dynamic and time-limited, so they are NOT depicted on paper sectional charts; pilots must check NOTAMs for current TFR information.

Question 63: What is the floor altitude of Class A airspace in the contiguous United States?

18,000 feet MSL (Correct answer)
14,500 feet MSL
24,000 feet MSL
12,500 feet MSL

Correct answer: 18,000 feet MSL

Class A airspace in the contiguous United States begins at 18,000 feet MSL and extends up to and including Flight Level 600.

Question 64: On a sectional chart, railroads are depicted by what symbol?

A blue line alongside highway routes
A dashed red line
A double brown line
A solid black line with small perpendicular tick marks (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A solid black line with small perpendicular tick marks

Railroads on sectional charts are shown as black lines with small evenly spaced perpendicular tick marks resembling railroad ties, making them identifiable as linear navigation landmarks.

Question 65: On a sectional chart, what symbol is used for a man-made obstruction with a height greater than 1,000 feet AGL that is lighted?

Solid dot with two lines above
Open triangle with lightning bolt (Correct answer)
Solid triangle
Open circle with dot

Correct answer: Open triangle with lightning bolt

A high obstruction above 1,000 feet AGL with lighting is shown on sectional charts as an open triangle with a lightning bolt symbol indicating the presence of hazard lights.

FAA Private Pilot Airman Knowledge Test — Sectional Charts

The FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) knowledge test evaluates a candidate's ability to read and interpret VFR sectional aeronautical charts, including chart symbols, airport data, airspace boundaries, and VFR flight planning. Administered at PSI testing centers.

Questions

150 min

Time Limit

70%

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