Guidance interpreting sectional map, please

[Skybuyer]

I've just begun studying for my part 107 test and I know that sectional maps will be where you sink or swim on the test and there are more questions with maps than the FAA tells us. On another thread I was researching the Philly area and pulled up a sectional map. And while I knew some of area circles on the map I was confused with a few: I know that a Solid blue circle is Class B. But what if it is a lighter blue, possibly shaded? What about a (seemingly) gray line? Is it gray or something else? I'm not sure and would like to know. I've annotated the map so if I could get some guidance and other things that I should definitely know around the Philly/PHL area I'd love the help. I can't believe the amount of information jammed into one little maplet. TIA

 

[Deleted member 103366]

Jeepers and I thought a London A to Z was bad!!!!!!!

 

[brett8883]

I've just begun studying for my part 107 test and I know that sectional maps will be where you sink or swim on the test and there are more questions with maps than the FAA tells us. On another thread I was researching the Philly area and pulled up a sectional map. And while I knew some of area circles on the map I was confused with a few: I know that a Solid blue circle is Class B. But what if it is a lighter blue, possibly shaded? What about a (seemingly) gray line? Is it gray or something else? I'm not sure and would like to know. I've annotated the map so if I could get some guidance and other things that I should definitely know around the Philly/PHL area I'd love the help. I can't believe the amount of information jammed into one little maplet. TIA

View attachment 108606

from left to right.

This is the best question you have and I wasn’t sure at first either but I consulted the user guide and it looks like it’s terminal radio service area. That one isn’t on the test but this is a good guide to use to look up things you don’t know.

https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/digital_products/aero_guide/media/editions/cug-visual-products.pdf

Next we have the mode c veil. Mode c veil is 30 nm from class B airports. It tells aircraft to turn transponders on even though they are not yet in the class B airspace. It gives controllers advanced awareness of inbound and outbound aircraft.


Next:

Yes! Transition to Class E at 700ft.

Next because you are actually looking at class b not class c the blues lines are the various altitude tiers of the class b upside down wedding cake. The ceiling and floor of the class B layers are marked in each layer.

 

[sar104]

I've just begun studying for my part 107 test and I know that sectional maps will be where you sink or swim on the test and there are more questions with maps than the FAA tells us. On another thread I was researching the Philly area and pulled up a sectional map. And while I knew some of area circles on the map I was confused with a few: I know that a Solid blue circle is Class B. But what if it is a lighter blue, possibly shaded? What about a (seemingly) gray line? Is it gray or something else? I'm not sure and would like to know. I've annotated the map so if I could get some guidance and other things that I should definitely know around the Philly/PHL area I'd love the help. I can't believe the amount of information jammed into one little maplet. TIA

View attachment 108606

The blue lines are the Class B shelves - not sure why they look so light on that map.

The solid magenta is the Mode C veil that extends out 30 NM.

The magenta vignette is 700 ft Class E.

The gray is a Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA).

 

[Mavic Mac]

1. What are the light blue lines - There are air traffic routes that cross the Class B lines. There is also dashed blue circle in the same area - Class D airspace

2. Solid magenta circle


What does the Mode C / 30 NM circle on a Sectional Chart mean?


The Mode C ‘veil’ does NOT apply to sUAS operations, so no need for drone pilots to worry about this.

Here is an excerpt from the Aeronautical Information Manual, page 133, for more context about how the Mode C veil applies to manned aircraft operations:
The airspace within 30 nautical miles of an airport listed in Appendix D, Section 1 of 14 CFR Part 91 (generally primary airports within Class B airspace areas), from the surface upward to 10,000 feet MSL. Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, aircraft operating within this airspace must be equipped with automatic pressure altitude reporting equipment having Mode C capability.
However, an aircraft that was not originally certificated with an engine−driven electrical system or which has not subsequently been certified with a system installed may conduct operations within a Mode C veil provided the aircraft remains outside Class A, B or C airspace; and below the altitude of the ceiling of a Class B or Class C airspace area designated for an airport or 10,000 feet MSL, whichever is lower.

3. Gray border

In United States aviation, a terminal radar service area (TRSA) is a delimited airspace where radar and air traffic control services are made available to pilots flying under instrument flight rules or (optionally) visual flight rules, to maintain aircraft separation.

TRSAs most often surround busy U.S. airports. In recent years, many of them have been replaced by Class C or Class B airspace.[citation needed]

Terminal Radar Service Area was established as part of a program to create terminal radar stations at selected airports. Because they were not subject to the rulemaking process of 14 CFR Part 91, they do not fit into any existing U.S. classifications of airspace, and have been classified as non-part 71 airspaces. While operating in these airspaces, pilots who choose to participate receive radar services, but participation is not required for VFR operations.

TRSAs encompass a primary airport with a class "D" designation, with the TRSA above other controlled airspace (Typically Class E Airspace) with a typical floor of 700 feet or 1,200 feet AGL (Above Ground Level).

TRSAs are shown on most VFR (Visual Flight Rules) sectional charts as solid black/gray.

 

[brett8883]

First! ?

 

[sar104]

First! ?

Only because I'm further from the server.

 

[Skybuyer]

Thanks guys. I think the sectional map reading will be the hardest part of the test to prepare for. SO much in there... As they say, 10 pounds of stuffing in a 5 pound bag ! Before setting out to study I wanted to get an idea of what I already knew and started the Ruprecht practice test. I did pretty well on the non map questions, though I have to be more careful when reading them, but flunked all the map questions because I hadn't encountered them before in any detail. It's starting to make sense. I'd never heard of a Terminal Radar Service Area before, so I guess I should be glad I asked the question. Lot's more studying to do as I've just begun, but it's all starting to sink in.

 

[brett8883]

Thanks guys. I think the sectional map reading will be the hardest part of the test to prepare for. SO much in there... As they say, 10 pounds of stuffing in a 5 pound bag ! Before setting out to study I wanted to get an idea of what I already knew and started the Ruprecht practice test. I did pretty well on the non map questions, though I have to be more careful when reading them, but flunked all the map questions because I hadn't encountered them before in any detail. It's starting to make sense. I'd never heard of a Terminal Radar Service Area before, so I guess I should be glad I asked the question. Lot's more studying to do as I've just begun, but it's all starting to sink in.

I’d say 80% of the test requires reading a sectional in one way or another.

 

[PhantomFandom]

I'd never heard of a Terminal Radar Service Area before,

Not very important for UAS operations but very important for manned flight. IFR flights are always monitored by ATC. It is advisable even for VFR pilots to request flight following in those areas due to how congested they can be. It has become less critical for VFR now that all aircraft should be equipped with ADSB, however it's nice knowing that someone else is out there watching out for you and everyone else around you when you're flying in that type of area.

 

[Mavic Mac]

Thanks guys. I think the sectional map reading will be the hardest part of the test to prepare for. SO much in there... As they say, 10 pounds of stuffing in a 5 pound bag ! Before setting out to study I wanted to get an idea of what I already knew and started the Ruprecht practice test. I did pretty well on the non map questions, though I have to be more careful when reading them, but flunked all the map questions because I hadn't encountered them before in any detail. It's starting to make sense. I'd never heard of a Terminal Radar Service Area before, so I guess I should be glad I asked the question. Lot's more studying to do as I've just begun, but it's all starting to sink in.

When I took my test there was a supplement book with the maps and legends, so it isn't necessary to try and memorize every map legend.

 

[Skybuyer]

When I took my test there was a supplement book with the maps and legends, so it isn't necessary to try and memorize every map legend.

I know that. It's just that studying practical examples provide the questions so that when it comes time to take the test I'll be able to read the maps without mental strain and guesswork. I wanted to look up PHL because of a thread regarding that area. Some of the responses were excellent providing me with information that hadn't been covered in my study guides so far.

 

[hiflyer201]

The sectional is crowded and that's for sure. Try opening and using it in a small cockpit.
I think it would be best to buy an actual sectional to study instead of something reprinted in book..and maybe that is what you have already done.

 

[Skybuyer]

The sectional is crowded and that's for sure. Try opening and using it in a small cockpit.
I think it would be best to buy an actual sectional to study instead of something reprinted in book..and maybe that is what you have already done.

One of the members has sent me a boat load of material that I want to get through first. I am making copious notes as I go for fast reference. I think once I get this sectional map reading stuff under my belt I would be able to take the test in short order. Reading the NOTAM codes is something else that will require a little practice as well.

 

[PhantomFandom]

The sectional is crowded and that's for sure. Try opening and using it in a small cockpit.
I think it would be best to buy an actual sectional to study instead of something reprinted in book..and maybe that is what you have already done.

LOL isn't that the truth !! And we were mandated to always carry a current sectional. The cockpit has changed greatly now that we have automation with moving maps and current sectionals on a tablet.

 

[PhantomFandom]

. I wanted to look up PHL because of a thread regarding that area.

Good area for study. It is the area I fly in most often. Pop quiz if you're up for it...
Legally as per the FAA and controlled airspace, can I fly a drone In Center City Philadelphia, and to what maximum altitude? Bonus points: Let's say you have your Part 107 license and can meet all regulations (i.e. flight over people, maintaining VLOS), how high can you fly in the immediate vicinity of the Comcast Technology Center? That is the tallest building in Philadelphia and is shown on the sectional.

 

[dawgpilot]

The sectional is crowded and that's for sure. Try opening and using it in a small cockpit.
I think it would be best to buy an actual sectional to study instead of something reprinted in book..and maybe that is what you have already done.

You should just download the PDF of the test supplement book, since it contains all the example charts that could possibily be used in any question on the Part 107 exam.

 

[brett8883]

Good area for study. It is the area I fly in most often. Pop quiz if you're up for it...
Legally as per the FAA and controlled airspace, can I fly a drone In Center City Philadelphia, and to what maximum altitude? Bonus points: Let's say you have your Part 107 license and can meet all regulations (i.e. flight over people, maintaining VLOS), how high can you fly in the immediate vicinity of the Comcast Technology Center? That is the tallest building in Philadelphia and is shown on the sectional.

This is a pretty good one. Multi faceted

 

[Mavic Mac]

Good area for study. It is the area I fly in most often. Pop quiz if you're up for it...
Legally as per the FAA and controlled airspace, can I fly a drone In Center City Philadelphia, and to what maximum altitude? Bonus points: Let's say you have your Part 107 license and can meet all regulations (i.e. flight over people, maintaining VLOS), how high can you fly in the immediate vicinity of the Comcast Technology Center? That is the tallest building in Philadelphia and is shown on the sectional.

If it is the one on Arch St it is not in the controlled airspace. Now there may be city ordinances against take offs/landing within the city. If you are referring to the lighted tower of 1153 MSL then I believe you can go to 1553 MSL with Part 107.
Of course would have to check for TFRs

Thanks for posting the question - hopefully I got it right - if not it shows me I have more research to do

 

[brett8883]

If it is the one on Arch St it is not in the controlled airspace. Now there may be city ordinances against take offs/landing within the city. If you are referring to the lighted tower of 1153 MSL then I believe you can go to 1553 MSL with Part 107.
Of course would have to check for TFRs

Thanks for posting the question - hopefully I got it right - if not it shows me I have more research to do

The class B starts at 1500 feet so you could go up to 1499 feet.