how to find course on sectional chart

by Miss Cheyanne Schaden Jr. 10 min read

Position the plotter’s straight edge on the drawn course line. Rotate the compass until the north arrows are parallel to the lines of longitude on the sectional chart. Read the course on the compass that is aligned with the arrow on the plotter that is aligned with the drawn course line.

Rotate the compass until the north arrows are parallel to the lines of longitude on the sectional chart. Read the course on the compass that is aligned with the arrow on the plotter that is aligned with the drawn course line.

Full Answer

What information is included on a sectional chart?

The checkpoints include populated places, drainage patterns, roads, railroads, and other distinctive landmarks. The aeronautical information on Sectional Charts includes visual and radio aids to navigation, airports, controlled airspace, restricted areas, obstructions, and related data.

How do you plot a route on a sectional chart?

Lay the straight edge of the plotter on the sectional chart across to your departure and destination airports, or checkpoints if the route exceeds the plotter’s edge. In this example, we’ll plot a course from Jamestown Airport to Cooperstown airport.

What are the indicators of the terrain on a sectional chart?

The most prevalent indicators of the terrain are contour lines or the shaded relief map, either of which may act as the base map for the sectional chart. Contour lines connect points of equal elevation.

Do you need to read a sectional chart for Part 107?

For those who are looking to earn a Part 107 remote pilot certificate, reading and understanding sectional charts make up a significant chunk for the knowledge test you’ll need to pass to be certified. How does one go about learning how to read a sectional chart?

Why do we need sectional charts?

What is a quadrant on a sectional chart?

What is class G?

How to determine the location of a point on the planet?

Is sectional chart confusing?

How do I find a sectional course?

0:353:58VFR Nav Log (Video 2) True Course and Distance - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo to do this you need to get out your plotter. And you need to line it up with the course line thatMoreSo to do this you need to get out your plotter. And you need to line it up with the course line that you drew on the chart.

How do I find a course route?

1:302:45VFR Nav Log (Video 1) Determine Route and Checkpoints - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou need to draw a line so I'm going to take my plotter line it up with the way that I want to go toMoreYou need to draw a line so I'm going to take my plotter line it up with the way that I want to go to the point where I want to make my first turn and I'm going to draw a line.

How do you read a sectional chart?

13:2721:26How To Read A VFR Sectional Chart - MzeroA Flight Training - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUs the tower is part time the letter is C in the circle tells us the frequency for the tower is alsoMoreUs the tower is part time the letter is C in the circle tells us the frequency for the tower is also the common traffic advisory frequency meaning when that part time tower closes.

How do you plot a class on a VFR sectional?

0:463:07Private Pilot-Plotting a Course - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure the plotter is lined up with the longitudinal line on the sectional. As. You can see if weMoreMake sure the plotter is lined up with the longitudinal line on the sectional. As. You can see if we follow the longitudinal. Line through the course plotter to the outer scale.

How do you find the true course on a chart?

Navigational Plotter InstructionsUse your plotter to determine the true course (TC), the total distance of your flight, and. ... Place the small hole in the center of the protractor section over a meridian (line of. ... If your course is nearly north or south and does not cross a meridian, place the hole of.More items...

What is course and heading?

In navigation, the course of a watercraft or aircraft is the cardinal direction in which the craft is to be steered. The course is to be distinguished from the heading, which is the compass direction in which the craft's bow or nose is pointed.

What is the C on a sectional chart?

You may notice that the base and ceiling of the innermost area is again defined by the same type of symbol, indicating that Class C airspace starts at the surface and extends to 4600 feet. The base varies on the west side (2400 feet) and the east side (2100 feet).

What does the * l mean on sectional?

This airport has the Automatic Weather Observing Station (AWOS) and lists its frequency. Next line says the altitude of the airport - 108 ft. It is lighted, which is denoted by the L, the star in front of it means the lighting operations are limited so check the A/FD.

Where is Class G airspace?

Uncontrolled airspace or Class G airspace is the portion of the airspace that has not been designated as Class A, B, C, D, or E. It is therefore designated uncontrolled airspace. Class G airspace extends from the surface to the base of the overlying Class E airspace.

How do you find headings in aviation?

0:481:59Calculate Compass Heading - XC Flight Planning (Private Pilot ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you wanted to fly 150 degrees you really need to steer 151 degrees so for my flight plan theMoreIf you wanted to fly 150 degrees you really need to steer 151 degrees so for my flight plan the heading we want is somewhere in between there. But either way it looks like we need to add.

How do you use a course plotter?

4:376:25How To Use The Plotter From Live Training Tuesday - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first thing I'm going to do is get that line of longitude lined up with the zero. This line inMoreThe first thing I'm going to do is get that line of longitude lined up with the zero. This line in the center. And I'm making sure that the bottom ruler. Part is on the route that I'll be traveling.

Why do we need sectional charts?

Sectional charts are an invaluable tool for situational awareness and flight planning. Whether you’re flying professionally or for fun, checking out a sectional chart must be part of your pre-flight procedures if you don’t want to end up hitting a flight restriction when you’re already out on the field.

What is a quadrant on a sectional chart?

A quadrant is an area defined by a boundary within 30 minutes latitude and 30 minutes longitude.

What is class G?

Class G, or uncontrolled airspace, is the least restrictive of all airspace types. Since it’s not under the jurisdiction of any ATC facility, there is no need to secure any authorization to fly in Class G airspace. This type of airspace is not explicitly marked in sectional charts.

How to determine the location of a point on the planet?

The location of every point on the planet can be determined by latitude and longitude coordinates as defined by an imaginary grid pattern. To easily remember the difference between the latitude and longitude, we must first define the location of the equator and the prime meridian.

Is sectional chart confusing?

If you feel the same way, don’t worry – sectional charts are still somewhat confusing even for experienced drone pilots. With a bit of patience, you will eventually learn to make the most out of all the information that a sectional chart offers.

Why do we need sectional charts?

Sectional charts are an invaluable tool for situational awareness and flight planning. Whether you’re flying professionally or for fun, checking out a sectional chart must be part of your pre-flight procedures if you don’t want to end up hitting a flight restriction when you’re already out on the field.

What is a quadrant on a sectional chart?

A quadrant is an area defined by a boundary within 30 minutes latitude and 30 minutes longitude.

What is class G?

Class G, or uncontrolled airspace, is the least restrictive of all airspace types. Since it’s not under the jurisdiction of any ATC facility, there is no need to secure any authorization to fly in Class G airspace. This type of airspace is not explicitly marked in sectional charts.

How to determine the location of a point on the planet?

The location of every point on the planet can be determined by latitude and longitude coordinates as defined by an imaginary grid pattern. To easily remember the difference between the latitude and longitude, we must first define the location of the equator and the prime meridian.

Is sectional chart confusing?

If you feel the same way, don’t worry – sectional charts are still somewhat confusing even for experienced drone pilots. With a bit of patience, you will eventually learn to make the most out of all the information that a sectional chart offers.

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Latitude and Longitude

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Before we jump into sectional charts, let’s go over the basics of reading a map. The location of every point on the planet can be determined by latitude and longitude coordinates as defined by an imaginary grid pattern. To easily remember the difference between the latitude and longitude, we must first define the location of …
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Airports and Airport Information

  • Airports can be found all over sectional charts and are some of the most important points of interest. There are also different types of airports and they can be distinguished in sectional charts according to whether they have a control tower, a hard-surfaced runway, or if they have fuel availability. The symbols representing airports in sectional charts can also be useful in letting dr…
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Terrain and Obstacles

  • Aside from points of interest, sectional charts also provide guidance for pilots to avoid obstacles and to fly above constantly changing terrain. The most prevalent indicators of the terrain are contour lines or the shaded relief map, either of which may act as the base map for the sectional chart. With a bit of practice, it only takes a cursory glance at a map to identify areas of low and h…
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Controlled vs. Uncontrolled vs. Special Use Airspace

  • Once you’ve learned how to locate places on a map using their coordinates, it’s time to move on to the broadest distinction of airspace types in sectional charts. Each airspace type is represented in sectional charts by a specific symbol and we’ll go over these symbols one by one. We’ll look at the sub-classifications for each category, but for now, let’s define the distinction between controlled…
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Controlled Airspace

  • For the most part, controlled airspace is a simple matter because they remain in fixed positions and have more or less permanent geometries. As a drone pilot, the first thing you need to know about controlled airspace is the fact that you can’t fly in these areas without securing airspace authorization first. Nowadays, this is done through the LAANC system – an automated electroni…
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Uncontrolled Airspace

  • Class G, or uncontrolled airspace, is the least restrictive of all airspace types. Since it’s not under the jurisdiction of any ATC facility, there is no need to secure any authorization to fly in Class G airspace. This type of airspace is not explicitly marked in sectional charts. The only thing to keep in mind is that Class G airspace still falls under the jurisdiction of the FAA, so their usual flight ru…
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Special Use Airspace

  • Special use airspace is a bit harder to define because of so many different types of flight restrictions and underlying causes classified under this category. Some of them may have to do with national security, while others are meant to protect huge crowds. There are also types of special use airspace that are declared to protect the drone pilot, as in artillery testing and operati…
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Final Thoughts

  • Sectional charts are an invaluable tool for situational awareness and flight planning. Whether you’re flying professionally or for fun, checking out a sectional chart must be part of your pre-flight procedures if you don’t want to end up hitting a flight restriction when you’re already out on the field. Looking at sectional charts can seem overwhelming for beginners. If you feel the same wa…
See more on pilotinstitute.com