When determining the maximum elevation figure (MEF) of a quadrant, it is important to know that these figures are rounded up to the nearest 100 ft value and the last two digits are not shown. Most of the quadrants have an elevation of between 6,600 feet to 7,400 feet. The sectional charts have elevation contours, and elevations listed (in colors) in MSL. For the seconds, we take the next part of the decimal 0.352 and multiply by 60 = 21 seconds. To convert between decimal to minutes, just multiple the decimal value by 60.įor example, 40.6892° N, the decimal value is 0.6892. Or 40 Degrees 41 minutes and 21 seconds North, 74 degrees, 2 minutes 40 seconds West, The Statue of Liberty is located at 40.6892° N, 74.0445° W, Recent systems like GPS use decimals instead. Historically, degrees are divided in minutes and seconds (1 degree = 60 minutes, 1 minute = 60 seconds). To pinpoint a precise point on Earth, we need more accuracy than a degree of latitude or longitude. To express the location of a point, one must use both latitude and longitude, for example New York is approximately located at 40º North (of the equator), 74º West (of the Greenwich meridian). Think of the rungs of a ladder (which sounds somewhat similar to latitude) which run parallel to the equator. The easiest way to remember the difference between latitude and longitude is by associating the terms with different parts of a ladder. The 48 contiguous states are between 25° and 49° N latitude 67° and 125° W longitude. The “Prime Meridian,” which passes through Greenwich, England, is used as the zero line from which measurements are made in degrees east (E) and west (W) to 180°. Meridians of longitude are drawn from the North Pole to the South Pole and are at right angles to the Equator. They are used to measure degrees of latitude north (N) or south (S) of the equator.
Circles parallel to the equator (lines running east and west) are parallels of latitude. The equator is an imaginary circle equidistant from the poles of the Earth. The Earth is divided in an imaginary grid pattern which allows us to identify any geographical point the planet. Generally these are not as useful to Remote Pilots because the lack of detail. These charts are similar to sectional charts, and the symbols are the same except there is less detail due to the smaller scale. They are produced at a scale of 1:1,000,000 (1 inch = 13.7 NM or approximately 16 SM).
World aeronautical charts are designed to provide a standard series of aeronautical charts, covering land areas of the world, at a size and scale convenient for navigation by moderate speed aircraft. Whenever possible, remote pilot operators should use Terminal Area Charts (TAC) charts because of the increased amount of detail. These charts provide a more detailed display of topographical information. They have a scale of 1:250,000 (1 inch = 3.43 NM or approximately 4 SM). VFR terminal area charts are helpful when flying in or near Class B airspace. A pilot should also check the chart for other legend information, which includes air traffic control (ATC) frequencies and information on airspace. By referring to the chart legend, a pilot can interpret most of the information on the chart.
The charts provide an abundance of information, including airport data, navigational aids, airspace, and topography.
The charts have a scale of 1:500,000 (1 inch = 6.86 nautical miles (NM) or approximately 8 statute miles (SM)), which allows for more detailed information to be included on the chart. Sectional charts are the most common charts used by pilots today (and these are the types of charts used on the Remote Pilot Knowledge Test). The three aeronautical charts used by VFR pilots are: The chart provides information that allows pilots to track their position and provides available information that enhances safety. Additionally, using the Legend in the Testing Supplement will help greatly in reading the chart.Īn aeronautical chart is the road map for a pilot flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
The more charts you use and look at, the easier they are to read and use to answer questions. Reading aeronautical charts can be straightforward if you understand what to look for, and have patience.