Aeronautical artwork

We learned the states one at a time, coloring and labeling each as it was taught. When the map was complete (including state capitals), we took our masterpieces home for framing.

That summer, my family moved from New Jersey to California, and I followed the route of our Dodge sedan on the road maps given away freely at gas stations. I could not believe that there were no thin blue lines on the ground to show when we passed from one state to the next. Little did I know the role that charts and maps would play in my life.

Is there a difference between a chart and a map? Yes, but only to a purist who pompously insists that a chart is a map modified for navigation (or other special use). “All charts are maps,” he would say, “but not all maps are charts.”

My first experience with an aeronautical chart occurred during my presolo dual. My instructor sat in the back of the tandem-seated Aeronca Champ and used a rolled-up chart to whack me on the noggin every time I screwed up, which was more often than not.

At the end of each flight, he would replace the worn-out chart with a new one—they cost 25 cents in those days—in preparation for his next victim. One day my curiosity got the best of me, and I stealthily retrieved a used chart from the trashcan. I carefully opened the rumpled sectional like an archeologist inspecting an ancient scroll. The colorful patterns and mysterious hieroglyphic-like symbols were fascinating.

Aeronautical charts are magnificent pieces of art and are becoming almost as expensive. They are beautiful portraits of the Earth that provide us with reliable guidance. With them, a pilot can window-shop the world and fly vicariously to wherever he might wish to wander. Charting and planning a flight—real or imaginary—is satisfying unto itself.

If a painting is worth a thousand words, then an aeronautical chart must be worth a million because of the wealth of information it contains. Trouble is, we get short-changed. The abbreviated legend printed on each chart does not show all possible symbols. Those serious about chart reading should obtain a copy of the invaluable Aeronautical Chart Users’ Guide or reference it online (bit.ly/ChartsUserGuide). Be the first on your block to know how flumes, penstocks, and peat bogs are symbolized.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of planning a long flight, especially one along an unfamiliar route, is to lay out charts on your dining room table and use a yardstick to plot a direct route from destination to departure. You can then inspect the course and modify it as necessary to sidestep restricted airspace and hostile terrain. (The problem with using GPS to fly direct routes without such planning is that we often are led along routes strewn with hazard.)

Standing back from the charts, it is easy to see the overall and irregular nature of the terrain and envision how it can affect weather. It is not difficult to “see” upslope fog creeping on cat’s feet along Appalachian slopes, or mountain waves undulating across and downwind of the ridges of the Rockies, or storm systems marching inexorably across the country.

Are we required to carry current charts aboard every flight? No, except in specific cases, but should a pilot get into difficulty because of not having one, he or she will have serious explaining to do.

I also take aeronautical charts with me on long road trips (whether or not I plan to fly). They not only enhance my knowledge of unfamiliar topography but also lead me to local airports. Being an inveterate ramp rat, I find delight in visiting small airports along the way. You never know what fascinating aircraft you will discover or people you will meet. Aeronautical charts also help to orient a lost driver because they show so much topography.

Another wonderful use for aeronautical charts is to follow world events as they occur. I often obtain digital TPCs (tactical pilotage charts produced by the military) to pinpoint specific events and topographical areas. These provide a better sense and appreciation of what is going on around the world than a small-scale atlas. This also is a wonderful way to get youngsters interested in world affairs while simultaneously teaching them how to read maps (and becoming sharper yourself).

www.BarrySchiff.com