Visual Reference

Sectional Chart Symbols

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

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Showing 4 of 32 symbols
Obstacles
Obstacle Under 1,000 ft AGL
A small inverted "V" with a dot symbol marks an obstacle less than 1,000 feet AGL. Numbers nearby give MSL height (top) and AGL height (in parentheses).
Obstacles
Obstacle 1,000+ ft AGL
A taller inverted "V" with a dot represents an obstacle 1,000 feet or more AGL. These are significant terrain hazards to enroute aircraft.
Obstacles
Lighted Obstacle
Lightning-bolt-like rays radiating from the top of an obstacle symbol indicate it is lighted at night. Required for obstacles over 200 feet AGL near airports.
Obstacles
Group Obstacle
Two adjacent inverted-V symbols depict a cluster of obstacles such as a wind farm or multiple towers in close proximity. Height shown is the tallest in the group.