FAA approach charts are increasingly using new symbols to condense information and reduce visual clutter, requiring pilots to learn their specific meanings.
Key new symbols include the inverse D, indicating available runway declared distances; the inverse W (now rare), signifying frequent WAAS vertical guidance outages; and the inverse C, denoting expanded circling area criteria.
While symbols improve chart readability by replacing lengthy notes, pilots must consult legends or "decoder rings" to correctly interpret them and ensure safe flight operations.
Over the last few years, approach procedure charts have more and more data crammed onto them by the FAA. More data means better decision making, right? Ideally, yes. However it also means more brain cycles spent processing the data in addition to shrinking available chart real estate.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
