Aeronautical charts: Difference between revisions

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There are three very distinct types of procedure charts:
There are three very distinct types of procedure charts:
* '''Approach plates''' depicting the area around the airport. They can be for either VFR, several IFR using different navigation aids, or both.
* '''Approach plates''' which are depicting the area around the airport. They are usually for either visual approach, or several for instrument approach for each runway, each chart using different navigation aids.
* '''STARs''', standard terminal arrival routes, often several for each runway depending on the approach direction, describing an exact IFR approach route.
* '''STAR'''s (Standard terminal arrival routes), which are describing instrument arrival routes, often several for each runway depending on the direction of arrival.  Usually starting at a named fix along the route to the airport.
* '''SIDs''', standard instrument departures, also often several for each runway depending on the departure direction, describing an exact IFR departure route.
* '''SID'''s (Standard instrument departures), which are describing instrument departure routes, often several for each runway depending on the direction of departure.  Usually ending at a named fix along the route from the airport.


== Chart resources ==
== Chart resources ==

Revision as of 07:31, 12 May 2012

Links to websites with real life aeronautical charts.

The different kinds of aeronautical charts

There are many kinds of aeronautical charts. They are often separated into IFR charts, VFR charts and procedure charts.

IFR charts

IFR charts or instrument charts are used when flying by instrument/flying IFR, hence the name. They are more or less a geographically correct schematic depiction of the airports, navigation aids, fixes, the air traffic routes in between them and the airspace classification. In general the IFR charts are in a small scale (in essence the depicted features are small) and for the sake of clarity often doesn't contain more geographical features than borders, oceans and larger lakes.

The IFR charts are mainly used for route planning when flying IFR, and are often available in two or more series of charts, one with lower routes and one with higher routes. In each country's AIP (section ENR 6, En-route charts) are often small scale IFR charts.

VFR charts

VFR charts are mainly used when flying VFR, but can be used when flying IFR as well. In general they are in a larger scale than the IFR charts. In addition to the information of the IFR charts, they also contain information found on a regular topographic map such as representation of the terrain, water features, infrastructure, populated areas etc.

VFR charts are used for VFR and shorter IFR route planning and while flying VFR using pilotage and dead reckoning. They are available in many different scales and with many different symbologies, often different from country to country.

Procedure charts

Procedure charts are used when departing from an airport after take off or approaching an airport before landing. Airstrips and smaller airports only used in VFR conditions rarely have any as the traffic intensity and surrounding areas doesn't demand the use of one.

There are three very distinct types of procedure charts:

  • Approach plates which are depicting the area around the airport. They are usually for either visual approach, or several for instrument approach for each runway, each chart using different navigation aids.
  • STARs (Standard terminal arrival routes), which are describing instrument arrival routes, often several for each runway depending on the direction of arrival. Usually starting at a named fix along the route to the airport.
  • SIDs (Standard instrument departures), which are describing instrument departure routes, often several for each runway depending on the direction of departure. Usually ending at a named fix along the route from the airport.

Chart resources

Mixed charts

VFR charts

AIP

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Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) is defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization as a publication issued by or with the authority of a state and containing aeronautical information of a lasting character essential to air navigation. The structure and contents of AIPs are standardised by international agreement through ICAO. AIPs normally have three parts - GEN (general), ENR (en route) and AD (aerodromes). The document contains many charts; most of these are in the AD section where details and charts of all public aerodromes are published.

A complete list of European AIPs can be found here.

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