Federal Aviation Administration

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Frequently Asked Questions

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  • | Updated: 10:14 am ET January 07, 2010

Digital Products

Pilots

Airport Owner/Operators

What digital (electronic format) products does NACO offer for sale?

NACO currently offers the following digital products:

These products may be ordered by contacting the NACO Distribution Division. We are currently developing digital versions of other paper products. Prior to October 1, 2000 NACO was required to forward chart sales proceeds directly to the United States Treasury. Current legislation now allows NACO to retain revenues to provide funding for the development of new products, such as digital charts and publications. Please continue to access the NACO homepage to stay abreast of new aeronautical products and services as they become available. Thank you again for your interest in NACO aeronautical charts and products, and the advancement of air navigation safety.

I get an error message when I try to access the Digital-TPP or Sectional Raster Charts Disk?

Be certain that your computer has a DVD reader. The amount of storage needed by both D-TPP and SRAC products required NACO to utilize DVD media.

How can I get a copy of a digitized chart?

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), formerly the National Imagery and Mapping Agency has developed ARC Digitized Raster Graphics (ADRG) for use with available commercial applications to provide a raster background display of a scanned map image. Most of the following NGA aeronautical chart products are available in ADRG format on CD-ROMs. The FAA has geo-referenced Sectional and Terminal Area Raster Charts now available on DVD.

  • Tactical Pilotage Charts (TPC)
  • Operational Navigation Charts (ONC)
  • Global Navigation and Planning Charts (GNC)
  • Jet Navigation Charts (JNC)
  • FAA Sectional Raster Charts
  • FAA Terminal Area Raster Charts

Please ask for our Free NGA Aeronautical Catalog to see a complete listing of all available digitized charts.

Sectional Raster Charts are divided into an Eastern, Western and Alaska Set provided on DVD or can be downloaded through our E-commerce site.

ADRGs are not available on a subscription basis. One chart provided per CD-ROM.

Can NACO's digital products be use in private industry software products?
What are the copyright/licensing regulations for these products?

All digital products published by the NACO are in the public domain and not copyright protected; therefore, it is perfectly legal to incorporate these products into your own digital product. No written release or credit is required. Please keep in mind that the FAA cannot endorse or recommend a private industry product. Since all of our products are date sensitive we recommend that you seek legal advice prior to marketing your product.

Can I purchase obsolete charts?

The National Aeronautical Charting Office (NACO) does not provide obsolete charts to the general public due to concerns for flight safety. Only nonprofit educational institutions teaching map reading may obtain obsolete charts. On your institution's letterhead paper please write to: FAA/NACO Director, 1305 East-West Highway, Sta. 3426, Silver Spring MD 20910.

Note: NACO currently has both a VFR and IFR training chart available for public use. These charts are available at a fraction of the cost of our current charts. Please contact our Distribution Division for ordering information.

How can I get out-of-date charts for collecting, historical or litigation purposes?

For copies of out-of-date charts please contact:

National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, Maryland 20740
Phone: 866-272-6272 or 301-837-3200
Website: http://www.archives.gov/global_pages/contact_us.html

How can I report chart discrepancies?

You are encouraged to bring charting errors to our attention. On every NACO Aeronautical product, we have a note that describes how to report charting errors. You may contact us by mail, telephone, and e-mail:

  • Mailing Address:

    • FAA, National Aeronautical Charting Office
    ATO-W, SSMC4 Station 2335
    1305 East West Highway
    Silver Spring, MD 20910-3281

  • Telephone.......(800) 626-3677 toll free, U.S. only
  • E-mail...............9-AMC-Aerochart@faa.gov

What is the Aeronautical Chart User's Guide?

NACO Aeronautical Chart User's Guide is designed to be used as a teaching aid, reference document, and an introduction to the wealth of information provided on NACO's aeronautical charts and publications. It includes explanations of chart terms and symbols, and a comprehensive display of aeronautical charting symbols organized by chart type. The publication is 8 1/2 x 11 inches.

Why should I fly with current charts?

FAR 91.103 Preflight action.
Each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight.

NACO charts and related products are continually updated to reflect current aeronautical, terrain and cultural information. The following table shows the average number of changes per product type per cycle:

Chart Changes
Product Type Changes/Cycle (average) Cycle Length
Terminal Area Chart 100 6 months
Sectional Chart 278 6 months
World Aeronautical Chart 493 1 year
Airport/Facility Directory 775 56 days
Enroute Low Altitude Chart 35 56 days
Enroute High Altitude Chart 66 56 days
Terminal Procedures Publication 75 56 days

What is the FAA policy for carrying current charts?

The term "charts" is not found in the FAA's Part 91 regulations (other than for large and turbine-powered multiengine airplanes in 91.503[a]). The specific FAA regulation, FAR 91.103 "Preflight Actions," states that each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight. What is not specifically addressed in the regulation is a requirement for charts. You should always carry a current chart for safety's sake. An expired chart will not show new frequencies or newly constructed obstructions, some of which could be tall enough to be a hazard along your route of flight.

    The only FAA/FAR requirements that pertain to charts are:
  • Title 14 CFR section 91.503[a] (Large and Turbojet powered aircraft)
  • Title 14 CFR section 135.83 (Air Carriers-Little Airplane)
  • Title 14 CFR section 121.549 (Air Carrier-Big Airplanes)
    The FAA has rendered interpretations that have stated the foregoing. The subject of current charts was thoroughly covered in an article in the FAA's July/August 1997 issue of FAA Aviation News. That article was cleared through the FAA's Chief Counsel's office. In that article the FAA stated the following:
  1. "You can carry old charts in your aircraft." "It is not FAA policy to violate anyone for having outdated charts in the aircraft."
  2. "Not all pilots are required to carry a chart." "91.503..requires the pilot in command of large and multiengine airplanes to have charts." "Other operating sections of the FAR such as Part 121 and Part 135 operations have similar requirements."
  3. ..."since some pilots thought they could be violated for having outdated or no charts on board during a flight, we need to clarify an important issue. As we have said, it is NOT FAA policy to initiate enforcement action against a pilot for having an old chart on board or no chart on board." That's because there is no regulation on the issue.
  4. ..."the issue of current chart data bases in handheld GPS receivers is a non-issue because the units are neither approved by the FAA or required for flight, nor do panel-mounted VFR-only GPS receivers have to have a current data base because, like handheld GPS receivers, the pilot is responsible for pilotage under VFR.
  5. "If a pilot is involved in an enforcement investigation and there is evidence that the use of an out-of-date chart, no chart, or an out-of-date database contributed to the condition that brought on the enforcement investigation, then that information could be used in any enforcement action that might be taken."

If you, as an FAA Safety Inspector, Designated Pilot Examiner, Flight Instructor, or other aviation professional are telling pilots something other than the foregoing then you are incorrect.

What is the database currency requirement needed for VFR or IFR flight?

AIM 1-1-19b3(b) Database Currency (1) In many receivers, an up-datable database is used for navigation fixes, airports and instrument procedures. These databases must be maintained to the current update for IFR operations, but no such requirement exists for VFR use. (2) However,...

AIM 1-1-19g Equipment and Database Requirements - For IFR Operations "All approach procedures to be flown must be retrievable from the current airborne navigation database..."

AC 90-100, U.S. TERMINAL AND EN ROUTE AREA NAVIGATION (RNAV) OPERATIONS, paragraph 8a(3): The onboard navigation data must be current and appropriate for the region of intended operation and must include the navigation aids, waypoints, and relevant coded terminal airspace procedures for the departure, arrival, and alternate airfields.

NOTE: Navigation databases are expected to be current for the duration of the flight. If the AIRAC cycle will change during flight, operators and pilots should establish procedures to ensure the accuracy of navigation data, including suitability of navigation facilities used to define the routes and procedures for flight. Traditionally, this has been accomplished by verifying electronic data against paper products. One acceptable means is to compare aeronautical charts (new and old) to verify navigation fixes prior to dispatch. If an amended chart is published for the procedure, the database must not be used to conduct the operation."

Published instrument procedures and routes are incorporated by reference into 14 CFR Part 95 and 14 CFR Part 97, are "law." They are "effective" only during the AIRAC cycle dates specified on the enroute chart/TPP covers or on the side of the chart when printed from the digital-TPP. If you are using a published procedure before or after the dates specified on the chart under IFR, you are technically in violation of the law.

Why is there a difference between the magnetic variation
for the airport and the VOR located at the same airport?

When a navaid is first constructed, the antenna is physically oriented to True North. Then a potentiometer adjustment is made to slave the navaid with Magnetic North. This action matches the isogonic line making it agree with a magnetic compass. Initially these two values are the same, but the magnetic variation of the earth changes at differing rates depending upon location and time. Navaids are commissioned and remain online 24 hours per day 365 days per year. Although periodic maintenance is performed as needed, a re-slaving to match the isogonic value requires a total navaid shut down, re-alignment and a re-certification flight check. Only when the navaid is out of tolerance by at least +/-6 degrees will a re-slaving procedure be initiated allowing the navaid and airport magnetic variation to match again.
Note: GPS databases use a MAGVAR model to calculate the most up-to-date magnetic variation.

If I place a new subscription, when will my service begin?

Unless specified by the subscriber the new subscription service will begin with the next edition of the product. For example if the next edition date for the Seattle Sectional Chart is June 8th, 2006 and you place your order for a subscription in April you will not receive the current edition (December 22nd, 2005) unless you specify that you want the current edition shipped to you.

Can charts be scanned/copied and included in books?
Does this require special licensing or a release/credit of some sort?

All products published by the National Aeronautical Charting Office (NACO) are in the public domain and not copyright protected; therefore, it is perfectly legal to reproduce and publish any of our charts so long as any NACO or FAA logo isn't visible. The reason for this is that the FAA cannot endorse a private industry product or service. No written release or credit is necessary. Since all of our products are date sensitive we recommend that you seek legal advice or stipulate that these charts are not to be used for actual flight navigation in the event that someone decides to use your publication for that purpose.

What is the significance of a runway 8069 feet in length and why are two different aerodrome symbols used to depict hard surface runways on Sectional charts?

For purposes of airport depiction, when a runway is between 7970 and 8069 feet in length NACO cartographers round to 8000 which equates to a line 0.192 inches in length on the Sectional chart scale. In this case a circular aerodrome symbol is used. If the runway is between 8070 and 8169 feet in length, cartographers round to 8100 which equates to a line 0.1944 inches in length on the Sectional chart scale. This line is simply too long to fit into the largest circular aerodrome symbol NACO has available. Therefore, when an airport has a runway that is greater than 8069 feet in length cartographers place a box around the runway pattern forming an enclosed shape.

What is the process for establishing Rulemaking (i.e. Class A, B, C, etc.) and Nonrulemaking (i.e. Restricted, Warning, Alert, etc.) Airspace areas on aeronautical charts?

The National Aeronautical Charting Office (NACO) cannot arbitrarily depict airspace on its charts without proper authorization. Certain procedures must be followed before NACO may chart any aeronautical information, especially airspace. Please consult FAA Order 7400.2F, Procedures for Handing Airspace Matters, http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/air_traffic/publications/at_orders/media/AIR.pdf .

How can I become an Authorized FAA Chart Agent?

On October 5, 2009, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) transitioned to a New Chart Agent Model. This change was part of an overall High Performing Organization (HPO) plan that will help the FAA reduce costs, increase efficiency, and make the Chart Agent Program more self-sufficient.

The requirements of the New Chart Agent Model are: Chart Agents must have a minimum annual net sales volume of $5,000; Chart Agent orders must be placed using the FAA e-commerce system; Chart Agents may establish their own network of sales outlet(s) to sell navigation charts and related products; and Chart Agents will have the opportunity to choose the discount/obsolete return rate they receive from the FAA to purchase navigation charts and related products (50% discount of FAA published prices with zero obsolete returns accepted or 40% discount of FAA published prices with up to 20% obsolete returns accepted). You must also submit a business plan to FAA summarizing how you plan to achieve the $5,000 minimum annual net sales volume. Agents will be permitted one year to establish their business. Thereafter an agent not selling a volume sufficient to maintain an active status may be discontinued.

For additional information about the New Chart Agent Model , please visit our website.

If you are interested in becoming an authorized chart agent, please mail or fax the FAA Distribution Sub-team your name, address and telephone number so we can send you the Chart Agent Agreement, Supplemental Instructions and Signature Pages. Please specify whether you are interested in becoming an Aeronautical Chart Agent, Nautical Chart Agent or an Agent that will be selling both aeronautical and nautical charts and related products.

  • Contact Information:

    • FAA, National Aeronautical Navigation Services (AeroNav Services)
    Agent/Government Sales and Services Group
    10201 Good Luck Road
    Glenn Dale, Maryland 20769-9700
    Phone: 800-638-8972
    Fax: 301-436-6829

How do I add a public or private airport to a chart? (One with a FAA Location Identifier)

Airports with at least 1,500 feet of hard surface runway will be depicted on our visual charts. Airports with 3,000 feet of hard surface runway will be depicted on our enroute charts. If your airport meets those criteria and you would like your airport charted you should contact the local Federal Aviation Administration, Airports District Office or Aeronautical Information Services, ATA-100, at 1-866-295-8236. The FAA Specialist will verify your airport information and publish a change in the National Flight Data Digest. This change will generate a charting directive to depict your airport on the chart. NACO will chart your airport if it does not interfere with any existing chart data that may have a higher safety priority and or cause chart clutter. Every effort will be made to move chart data around and accommodate your airport name and symbol depiction on the chart for the next publication cycle.

How do I register a private use airport with the FAA and obtain a location identifier?

Contact your State Aviation Office. Contacts can be found on your State Department of Transportation web site. This office can offer assistance in the airport registration process or use FAA Form 7480-1 Notice of Landing Area Proposal. Follow the instructions on the form and submit to the office listed for your state. If you have begun the registration process, contact the office that you sent your Form 7480-1 to and ask for your application status. If you have received an Airspace Study letter from the FAA, contact the FAA Airport Safety Data Branch (202) 267-8728 and ask for your application status.

How can I change the information for my Private Use landing facility?

Contact the National Flight Data Center (NFDC) at FAA Headquarters. This information can be found on the inside front cover of the A/FD and shown here:
Web site access to recommend revisions: http://nfdc.faa.gov/portal/airportchanges.do or

FAA, Aeronautical Information Services, ATO-R, Rm 626
800 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20591
Toll free: 1-866-295-8236
Fax: 202-267-5322
E-mail: 9-ATOR-HQ-AIS_Airportchanges@faa.gov

Go to the NFDC web site (above) and click on the Airport Change Form (A/FD Revision Form). Fill in the form and save it to your desk top then attach it to an email and send to: 9-ATOR-HQ-AIS_Airportchanges@faa.gov

How can I get a parachute jumping symbol for a specific
area put on a chart?

Parachute jump areas are designated airspace areas that are depicted to alert the flying public of special air traffic activity. Charting these areas may be accomplished by contacting the FAA Regional Office having jurisdiction over the airspace and request the specific area be charted. The FAA Specialist will verify the information, apply the data to standard charting criteria:

  1. Be in operation for at least 1 year.
  2. Operate year round (at least on weekends).
  3. Log 4,000 or more jumps each year.

Jump sites can also be nominated by FAA Regions if special circumstances require charting.

Once published in the National Flight Data Digest, the information will be added to the PARACHUTE JUMPING AREAS Section of the Airport/Facility Directory. If the parachute jump area meets minimum charting requirements we will depict the Parachute Jump Area symbol on the appropriate chart for the next publication cycle.

How can I get a glider symbol for a specific area
put on a chart?

Glider areas are designated airspace areas that are depicted to alert the flying public of special air traffic activity. Charting these areas may be accomplished by contacting the local Flight Service Station, or Aeronautical Information Services, ATA-100, at 1-866-295-8236 and request that the specific area be charted. The FAA Specialist will verify your information, apply the data to standard charting criteria, and publish the information in the National Flight Data Digest if it meets all the requirements. Once published the glider symbol will be added to the appropriate chart for the next publication cycle.

How can I add or make a change to the UNICOM
or CTAF frequency for a chart?

UNICOM and CTAF frequencies are important communications frequencies at all airports authorized to use them. To add, modify or delete frequencies, airport owners/managers should contact the local Flight Service Station, or Aeronautical Information Services, ATA-100, at 1-866-295-8236 and request your authorized UNICOM or CTAF frequency be published and/or charted. The FAA Specialist will verify your information and publish a change in the National Flight Data Digest. Once published the information will be depicted in the appropriate publications and/or sectional charts for the next publication. The following form may be used to submit changes: A-FD Revision Form.

How can I update my airport diagram information?

Mr. Chris Criswell of the FAA is the point of contact for Airport Diagrams. Please contact him at 9-AWA-ATS-Diagrams@faa.gov

How can I make a change to the Airport/Facility Directory?

In order to effect the desired change/changes, you need to contact the National Flight Data Center (NFDC). Here is their contact information:
Web site access to recommend revisions: http://nfdc.faa.gov/portal/airportchanges.do or

FAA, Aeronautical Information Services, ATO-R, Rm 626
800 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20591
Toll free: 1-866-295-8236
Fax: 202-267-5322
E-mail: 9-ATOR-HQ-AIS_Airportchanges@faa.gov

As soon as the NFDC has entered your requested change/changes into their database, notice will be directed to everyone producing relevant aviation publications requiring all to amend their products to show the new information.