Approach Charts: Read the Fine Print

After selecting a specific approach, reviewing the other approaches might provide useful information. For example, until recently one Runway 16R approach at Reno/Tahoe (KRNO) had the note: Caution: intensive glider activity between PYRAM and WARMM up to 12,000. Seven other approaches transit the same area but offer no such warning.

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Aviation charts and Chart Supplement notes contain critical, often unique, information essential for safe and compliant flight operations that is frequently overlooked.
These notes cover a broad spectrum of vital details, including environmental hazards (e.g., terrain, wildlife, marine vessels), specific procedural requirements (e.g., special traffic rules, required equipment, runway limitations), and potential operational challenges.
Thoroughly reviewing all associated notes is crucial to anticipate unique airport conditions, avoid procedural errors, ensure safety, and prevent incidents or unexpected costs.

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Ever wonder if many of us pay attention to the notes on the various charts and the Chart Supplement (formerly A/FD)? Sometimes this information can be lifesaving, often interesting, and occasionally just odd. For example, some years ago there was a note for Boston’s Logan airport regarding higher approach minimums when there were “tall vessels in the approach area.”

While few notes are both as amusing and potentially life threatening as Logan’s, many provide direct and sometimes subtle cues about what lies ahead. Read the notes carefully to save yourself some embarrassment at the least or an incident (or worse) at the most.