Part 107 Study Guide
Sectional Chart Interpretation
Read VFR sectional charts: airspace boundaries, airport symbols, obstacle heights, Special Use Airspace, Victor airways, isogonic lines, and terrain contours.
20 questions in this topic
Sample Questions
On a sectional chart, a solid blue line surrounding an airport indicates:
Solid blue lines depict Class D airspace. Class B uses solid blue lines with altitude labels in hundreds of feet (e.g., 100/SFC). Class C uses solid magenta lines with altitude shelves.
💡 Memory tip
Solid Blue circle = Class D (small towered). Solid Magenta rings = Class C (medium airports). Solid Blue concentric rings = Class B (major airports). Learn the color-shape combos.
Solid magenta lines on a sectional surrounding an airport depict:
Class C airspace is shown with solid magenta circles. Typically an inner 5 NM surface area and an outer shelf from 1,200 ft AGL. Altitude limits are shown in hundreds of feet MSL (e.g., 41/SFC).
💡 Memory tip
Class C looks like a 2-ring archery target in solid magenta. Inner 5 NM ring goes to the surface; outer 5-10 NM ring starts at 1,200 ft AGL.
A Military Training Route (MTR) depicted as 'IR1206' (four digits) means:
4-digit MTRs (e.g., IR1206, VR1207) have NO segment above 1,500 ft AGL, meaning military jets may be at your altitude or below. 3-digit routes (e.g., IR206) have segments above 1,500 ft AGL. This is a common exam trick.
💡 Memory tip
MTR digit trick: 4 digits = entirely LOW (all segments at or below 1,500 ft AGL). 3 digits = at least one HIGH segment (above 1,500 ft AGL). More digits = lower route.
A small airport symbol on a sectional that is magenta in color indicates:
Magenta airport symbols = uncontrolled (no tower). Blue airport symbols = towered. This color coding is consistent across the chart.
The Maximum Elevation Figure (MEF) shown in each quadrangle of a sectional chart represents:
MEFs are shown in large brown numbers (thousands and hundreds). An MEF of '³2' means 3,200 ft MSL. They include terrain, obstacles, and a 100-200 ft safety buffer. Useful for hazard awareness.
💡 Memory tip
MEF is the worst-case 'ceiling' for the quadrangle — highest terrain + tallest obstacle + a safety buffer. It's your minimum safe altitude reference for that chart box.
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Start Full Practice ExamSectional Chart Interpretation FAQ
What do magenta hash marks on a sectional chart indicate? ▾
Magenta hash marks outline Military Operations Areas (MOAs). MOAs contain high-speed military training maneuvers. Non-participating aircraft including sUAS are not prohibited, but should exercise extreme caution and check for active times with ATC or the using agency. AIM 3-4-5.
What does the number in parentheses beneath an obstacle height figure represent? ▾
On a sectional chart, the bold number above an obstruction symbol is the height in feet MSL, and the number in parentheses is the height in feet AGL. For example: '1,235 (35)' means the top of the obstacle is 1,235 ft MSL and 35 ft AGL. FAA-G-8082-22 Ch. 8.