ASI Chart Challenge

Sectional charts provide an excellent VFR flight rules map. Colorful solid and hashed contours represent visibility and cloud clearance requirements, including airspace boundaries. For example, tower-controlled airports have blue airport symbols. Their specific airspace class designation is based on airport traffic volume. At less busy towered airports, the surrounding hashed blue ring typically represents a 4-nm Class D airspace radius. It extends from the surface up to 2,500 feet above airport elevation. But ceiling heights may vary—pay special attention to minus signs preceding numbers. In this example, Manassas Regional Airport (HEF) sits under more restrictive Class B airspace. HEF’s ceiling—shown in the small blue box—extends up to but not including 2,000 msl. Class B operating rules apply where its airspace overlaps the Class D ceiling. Before entering Class D airspace, establish and maintain two-way communication with the tower. Observe three statute miles visibility. Cloud clearance is 1,000 above, 500 below, and 2,000 horizontal (think: C152). Class D airspace may contain published instrument procedures and Class E surface area extensions, and it usually reverts to Class E when the tower closes. 

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