Reading Sectional Charts

Question 1

What do tick marks on lat/lon lines represent on a sectional?

Answer 1

Tick marks, representing one minutes. There are 60 minutes in one degree

Question 2

What distance does one tick mark on a lat line represent? Why not longitute?

Answer 2

One nautical mile / Because lon lines converge and distance between them shrinks further north

Question 3

What do tick marks on an airport chart represent?

Answer 3

Fuel is available and the airport is attended during normal working hours

Question 4

What do the blue and magenta colors represent on a sectional?

Answer 4

Blue - Controlled, Magenta - Uncontrolled

Question 5

What does “*L” represent on the airport info line on the chart? “L”?

Answer 5

Runway lights are available (pilot-controlled, part-time, or available on request) / “L” means runway lights are left on from sunset to sunrise

Question 6

What does “RP” on the airport info line represent?

Answer 6

Right hand traffic pattern with runways listed afterwards

Question 7

What does a star following the tower frequency mean?

Answer 7

Tower operates part time

Question 8

How far apart are terrain lines spaced on charts?

Answer 8

500 ft. elevation

Question 9

What are obstruction symbols?

Answer 9

Represent manmade structures extending more than 200’ AGL