Visual Reference

Sectional Chart Symbols

A searchable guide to the symbols, lines, and notations on FAA VFR sectional charts.

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All Airports Airspace NAVAIDs Obstacles Special Use Topography
Showing 7 of 32 symbols
Airspace
Class B Airspace
Solid blue lines, often in concentric rings forming an upside-down wedding cake. Surrounds the busiest airports. Surface to typically 10,000 feet MSL. Requires ATC clearance to enter.
Airspace
Class C Airspace
Solid magenta lines, typically two concentric rings (5 NM core to surface, 10 NM shelf from 1,200 AGL). Two-way radio communication required to enter.
Airspace
Class D Airspace
A dashed blue line surrounds airports with an operating control tower that are not Class B or C. Typically extends to 2,500 feet AGL. Requires two-way radio communication.
Airspace
Class E (Surface)
A dashed magenta line indicates Class E airspace beginning at the surface. Typically found around airports with instrument approaches but no control tower.
Airspace
Class E (700 ft AGL)
A faded/shaded magenta band marks the lateral boundary of Class E airspace beginning at 700 feet AGL. Below this, the airspace is Class G.
Airspace
Class E (1,200 ft AGL)
A faded/shaded blue band shows where Class E airspace begins at 1,200 feet AGL. Below this altitude the airspace is Class G (uncontrolled).
Airspace
Mode C Veil
A thin solid magenta circle (typically 30 NM around primary Class B airports) within which an operable Mode C transponder is required, surface to 10,000 feet MSL.