Chart lessons

Free sectional chart practice

Last updated 2026-11-14 · Published by Certloom Learning · Sources

Three full chart lessons from the FAA testing supplement: Norfolk, Virginia (Figure 20), Devils Lake, North Dakota (Figure 26) and Corpus Christi, Texas (Figure 69). Read each cue, then check yourself with the chart questions under it.

Figure 20: Norfolk, Virginia

Figure 20. Sectional Chart Excerpt, Norfolk, Virginia. The cue list beside the chart describes each marked item in text.

Figure 20. Sectional Chart Excerpt, FAA-CT-8080-2H. Chart is not to scale and is not for navigation.

12 cues

Tap a dashed bracket on the chart, or choose a cue below, to read what that symbol says and why a remote pilot cares.

Norfolk Class C surface area

40 over SFC: Class C airspace runs from the surface up to 4,000 ft MSL around Norfolk International. Any Part 107 flight in this Class C surface area needs prior ATC authorization (14 CFR 107.41).

Norfolk Class C outer shelf

40 over 12: this Class C shelf runs from 1,200 ft MSL up to 4,000 ft MSL. Below 1,200 ft MSL it is not Class C. A drone that stays below the 1,200 ft MSL floor is not in this Class C shelf; inside the shelf it needs ATC authorization (14 CFR 107.41).

Norfolk Intl data block

Blue type means a towered airport. Tower 120.8, ATIS 127.15, field elevation 27 ft MSL, lighted runways, longest runway 9,000 ft. The tower and Class C around it mean ATC authorization is needed before flying here (14 CFR 107.41).

Area 1

Area 1 sits just north of the Norfolk Intl data block, inside the outer Norfolk Class C circle, beside a parachute jumping symbol. Check which Class C floor applies before planning a flight here (14 CFR 107.41).

Newport News/Williamsburg Intl (PHF) data block

CT 118.7 with a star: the tower is part-time, and the C in a circle marks 118.7 as the CTAF when it is closed. ATIS 128.65, elevation 42 ft MSL, *L lighting limitations, longest runway 8,000 ft, UNICOM 122.95. A towered airport sits in Class D; a remote pilot needs ATC authorization for its surface area (14 CFR 107.41).

Chesapeake Rgnl (CPK) near area 2

Magenta type means no tower. AWOS-3 on 123.675, elevation 19 ft MSL, *L lighting limitations, longest runway 5,500 ft, CTAF 123.075, right traffic for runway 23 (RP 23). Monitor the CTAF to stay aware of manned traffic; Part 107 requires yielding right of way to all manned aircraft (14 CFR 107.37).

Elizabeth City CGAS/Rgnl (ECG) data block

Tower 120.5 with a star (part-time), ASOS 124.375, elevation 11 ft MSL, *L, longest runway 7,200 ft, UNICOM 122.95, right traffic on runways 1, 10 and 19. The dashed blue Class D around the field needs ATC authorization when it is in effect (14 CFR 107.41).

Restricted area R-5302B

Blue hatched boundary labeled R-5302B: a restricted area over Albemarle Sound. A drone may enter a restricted area only with permission from the using or controlling agency (14 CFR 107.45).

Tethered balloon caution note

CAUTION: an unmarked balloon is flown on a cable up to 3,008 ft MSL. Check NOTAMs. The cable runs from the ground up, so it is a hazard at drone altitudes; preflight planning must cover airspace hazards (14 CFR 107.49).

First Flight (FFA) near area 5

AWOS-3 on 118.075, elevation 12 ft MSL, no lighting code, longest runway 3,000 ft, CTAF 122.9, right traffic for runway 20. Listen on the CTAF and give way to manned traffic near the field (14 CFR 107.37).

Lighted obstruction 1049 (1041)

Obstruction 1,000 ft or more above ground: top at 1,049 ft MSL, 1,041 ft above ground level. It towers far above the 400 ft AGL limit; keep clear and watch for guy wires (14 CFR 107.51).

Warning area W-50B

Blue hatched boundary labeled WARNING W-50B, offshore of Virginia Beach. Warning areas over international waters may contain hazardous military activity; check whether it is active before flying near it.

Questions on this chart

Class C surface area
1. In Figure 20, a contractor wants to fly a roof survey at 150 ft AGL inside the Norfolk Class C area labeled 40 over SFC, beside Norfolk Intl. What applies? (uses Figure 20, open the free chart lesson)

Class C from the surface to 4,000 ft MSL, so prior ATC authorization is required
Class D from the surface to 4,000 ft MSL, so authorization is needed only above 400 ft AGL
Class E from the surface, so no authorization is needed below 400 ft AGL

Show answer and explanation

A. Class C from the surface to 4,000 ft MSL, so prior ATC authorization is required

The solid magenta lines and the 40 over SFC label mark Class C from the surface up to 4,000 ft MSL. Part 107 requires prior ATC authorization for any operation in Class C. The area is not Class D, and authorization is not tied to flying above 400 ft AGL. It is not Class E either, because the solid magenta boundary marks Class C.

Source: FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 20; 14 CFR 107.41

Class C shelf floor
2. In Figure 20, the Norfolk Class C label just north of the Norfolk Intl data block reads 40 over 12. Assume the ground under that shelf is 20 ft MSL. Does a drone at 300 ft AGL there need a Class C authorization? (uses Figure 20, open the free chart lesson)

Yes, because Class C starts at the surface anywhere inside the outer magenta circle
No, because the shelf floor is 1,200 ft MSL and the drone is at about 320 ft MSL
Yes, because the 12 means the shelf begins 120 ft above the ground

Show answer and explanation

B. No, because the shelf floor is 1,200 ft MSL and the drone is at about 320 ft MSL

Class C altitudes are in hundreds of feet MSL, so 40 over 12 is a shelf from 1,200 ft MSL to 4,000 ft MSL. A drone at 300 ft AGL over 20 ft ground is at about 320 ft MSL, below the shelf, so 14 CFR 107.41 does not require a Class C authorization for that altitude. Only the inner area marked SFC starts at the surface, and the 12 is 1,200 ft MSL, not 120 ft AGL.

Source: FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 20; Chart Users' Guide; 14 CFR 107.41

Tower frequency
3. In Figure 20, which frequency in the Norfolk Intl data block near area 1 is the control tower frequency? (uses Figure 20, open the free chart lesson)

127.15
116.9
120.8

Show answer and explanation

C. 120.8

The CT entry in the airport data block gives the primary tower frequency, which is 120.8 at Norfolk Intl. 127.15 is the ATIS broadcast, which gives recorded weather and airport information. 116.9 belongs to the Norfolk VORTAC box, a navigation aid, not the airport.

Source: FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 20; Chart Users' Guide

Part-time tower
4. In Figure 20, the Newport News/Williamsburg Intl (PHF) data block shows CT - 118.7 followed by a star and a C in a circle. What does the star tell a remote pilot? (uses Figure 20, open the free chart lesson)

The tower operates part-time, and 118.7 serves as the CTAF when the tower is closed
The airport has a rotating beacon that operates only at night
The airport is surrounded by Class C airspace

Show answer and explanation

A. The tower operates part-time, and 118.7 serves as the CTAF when the tower is closed

On the sectional legend a star after the tower frequency means the tower is part-time, and the C in a circle marks that frequency as the CTAF when the tower is closed. A rotating beacon is a separate star symbol drawn on the airport symbol itself, not after CT. The airspace here is Class D, shown by dashed blue lines, not Class C.

Source: FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 20; Legend 1; Chart Users' Guide

Right traffic pattern
5. In Figure 20, the Chesapeake Rgnl (CPK) data block near area 2 includes RP 23. What does this tell a remote pilot watching for manned traffic? (uses Figure 20, open the free chart lesson)

Runway 23 is 2,300 ft long
Aircraft using runway 23 fly a right-hand traffic pattern
Runway 23 is closed to fixed-wing aircraft

Show answer and explanation

B. Aircraft using runway 23 fly a right-hand traffic pattern

RP followed by a runway number means that runway uses right-hand traffic, so manned aircraft turn right in the pattern for runway 23. Runway length is shown separately as a number in hundreds of feet, here 55 for 5,500 ft. RP does not mean a runway is closed. Knowing the pattern helps a remote pilot see and avoid traffic as required by 14 CFR 107.37.

Source: FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 20; Chart Users' Guide; 14 CFR 107.37

Figure 26: Devils Lake, North Dakota

Figure 26. Sectional Chart Excerpt, Devils Lake, North Dakota. The cue list beside the chart describes each marked item in text.

Figure 26. Sectional Chart Excerpt, FAA-CT-8080-2H. Chart is not to scale and is not for navigation.

12 cues

Tap a dashed bracket on the chart, or choose a cue below, to read what that symbol says and why a remote pilot cares.

Restricted Area R-5403 A, B, C label

Blue hatched boundary: Restricted Area R-5403, subdivided A, B, C (and D, E, F further east). You may not fly in a restricted area without permission from the using or controlling agency (14 CFR 107.45).

Restricted area information box

For information on R-5402 and R-5403, call 1-800-972-8824. Get the status, and permission if needed, before flying in these restricted areas (14 CFR 107.45).

R-5402 label and exclusion note

Restricted Area R-5402; it excludes the airspace inside R-5401 and R-5403A when those are active. Restricted areas need permission from the using or controlling agency (14 CFR 107.45).

Devils Lake East MOA

Military Operations Area in magenta; the MOA excludes the airspace inside the restricted areas when they are active. No permission is required in a MOA, but check whether it is active and watch for military aircraft (14 CFR 107.37).

Cooperstown (S32) data block

Cooperstown (S32): AWOS-3 on 118.75, elevation 1,424 ft MSL, a 3,500 ft runway with lighting limitations (*L, see the Chart Supplement), CTAF 122.9. No tower here; monitor CTAF 122.9 and give way to manned traffic (14 CFR 107.37).

Area 2 inside the Cooperstown shaded ring

The faded magenta ring around Cooperstown means Class E begins 700 ft AGL inside it; below that is Class G. Class G needs no ATC authorization for a flight at or below 400 ft AGL (14 CFR 107.41).

Jamestown Regional data block

Jamestown (JMS): ASOS 118.425, elevation 1,500 ft MSL, longest runway 6,500 ft with lighting limitations (*L), CTAF 123.0. The dashed magenta line around it marks a Class E surface area. Class E surface areas at airports require ATC authorization (14 CFR 107.41).

Military training route IR678

IR678: an instrument military training route. A three-digit number means at least one segment is above 1,500 ft AGL. Military jets may fly low and fast along MTRs; keep watch and yield (14 CFR 107.37).

Obstruction near area 5

1,912 ft MSL, 387 ft AGL, UC means the structure is under construction. The top is just under 400 ft AGL; 14 CFR 107.51 lets you fly higher only within 400 ft of the structure and no more than 400 ft above its top.

Obstruction near area 3

1,843 ft MSL and 299 ft above the ground, so the ground there is about 1,544 ft MSL. Know obstacle heights in AGL when planning a 400 ft AGL limit (14 CFR 107.51).

Barnes Co (BAC) data block

Barnes Co (BAC): AWOS-3 118.725, elevation 1,402 ft MSL, 4,200 ft runway with lighting limitations (*L), CTAF 122.8. Monitor CTAF near this non-towered field (14 CFR 107.37).

Sprague private airport

(Pvt) means private use. Elevation 1,555 ft MSL, no runway lights, 2,700 ft runway. Private strips still have manned traffic; yield right of way (14 CFR 107.37).

Questions on this chart

Restricted area
1. In Figure 26, area 1 lies inside the blue hatched boundary of Restricted Area R-5403. What does a remote pilot need before flying there? (uses Figure 26, open the free chart lesson)

Only a check that the Devils Lake East MOA is not active
A LAANC authorization from the nearest control tower
Permission from the using or controlling agency

Show answer and explanation

C. Permission from the using or controlling agency

Part 107 forbids operating in a restricted area without permission from the using or controlling agency. Checking MOA status does not cover a restricted area, which carries hazards such as firing or military testing. LAANC grants access to controlled airspace near airports; it is not permission to enter restricted airspace.

Source: FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 26; 14 CFR 107.45

Special use airspace information
2. In Figure 26, a remote pilot wants to learn whether R-5402 and R-5403 are active. What does the chart itself suggest? (uses Figure 26, open the free chart lesson)

Call 1-800-972-8824, as printed in the box near New Rockford
Call Jamestown tower on 118.425
Monitor Tomlinson CTAF 122.9 for activation calls

Show answer and explanation

A. Call 1-800-972-8824, as printed in the box near New Rockford

The boxed note near New Rockford says for information on R-5402 and R-5403 call 1-800-972-8824. Jamestown has no control tower, and 118.425 is its ASOS weather broadcast. A CTAF at a small airport is not where restricted area status is published.

Source: FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 26; Chart Users' Guide; 14 CFR 107.45

Military Operations Area
3. In Figure 26, the magenta label DEVILS LAKE EAST MOA marks a Military Operations Area. What does a remote pilot need to fly inside it? (uses Figure 26, open the free chart lesson)

Permission from the controlling agency, the same as for a restricted area
No permission is required, but the pilot should check whether it is active and watch for military aircraft
A LAANC authorization, because a MOA is controlled airspace

Show answer and explanation

B. No permission is required, but the pilot should check whether it is active and watch for military aircraft

A MOA separates military training from IFR traffic, and VFR pilots, including remote pilots, may operate in it without permission. Checking whether it is active and keeping a sharp lookout is the prudent step. Permission is needed only for restricted and prohibited areas, and a MOA is not a class of controlled airspace that needs LAANC.

Source: FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 26; AIM 3-4-5; 14 CFR 107.37

Class E 700 ft floor
4. In Figure 26, area 2 lies inside the shaded magenta ring around Cooperstown. What airspace is there from the surface up to 700 ft AGL? (uses Figure 26, open the free chart lesson)

Class E from the surface, because the airport has an AWOS
Class D up to 700 ft AGL around Cooperstown
Class G, with Class E beginning at 700 ft AGL

Show answer and explanation

C. Class G, with Class E beginning at 700 ft AGL

A faded magenta ring means Class E begins at 700 ft AGL inside it, so the airspace below is Class G and a 400 ft AGL flight needs no ATC authorization. A Class E surface area would be drawn with a dashed magenta line, and an AWOS does not create one. Class D needs a control tower and a dashed blue line, neither of which is shown.

Source: FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 26; Chart Users' Guide; 14 CFR 107.41

Automated weather frequency
5. In Figure 26, which frequency gives automated weather at Cooperstown (S32)? (uses Figure 26, open the free chart lesson)

118.75
122.9
118.425

Show answer and explanation

A. 118.75

The Cooperstown data block lists AWOS-3 118.75, the automated weather broadcast. 122.9 with the C is the CTAF used for traffic advisories, not weather. 118.425 is the ASOS at Jamestown Regional, a different airport.

Source: FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 26; Chart Users' Guide

Figure 69: Corpus Christi, Texas

Figure 69. Sectional Chart Excerpt, Corpus Christi, Texas. The cue list beside the chart describes each marked item in text.

Figure 69. Sectional Chart Excerpt, FAA-CT-8080-2H. Chart is not to scale and is not for navigation.

12 cues

Tap a dashed bracket on the chart, or choose a cue below, to read what that symbol says and why a remote pilot cares.

Corpus Christi Class C shelf

40 over 12: this Class C shelf runs from 1,200 ft MSL up to 4,000 ft MSL. Operating in Class C requires prior ATC authorization (14 CFR 107.41).

Corpus Christi Class C surface area

40 over SFC: Class C from the surface up to 4,000 ft MSL around Corpus Christi International. Any flight here needs ATC authorization first (14 CFR 107.41).

Corpus Christi Class C west shelf

40 over 15: Class C from 1,500 ft MSL up to 4,000 ft MSL in this sector. Below 1,500 ft MSL you are under the shelf; check what lies underneath (14 CFR 107.41).

Corpus Christi International data block

CRP: tower 119.4, ATIS 126.8, elevation 44 ft MSL, lighted runway 7,500 ft, UNICOM 122.95. Towered Class C airport: ATC authorization required in its airspace (14 CFR 107.41).

Kingsville NAS Class D ceiling

25 in a dashed blue box: Kingsville Class D goes up to 2,500 ft MSL. Class D requires ATC authorization (14 CFR 107.41).

Kingsville NAS data block near area 2

Kingsville NAS (NQI): tower 124.1 with a star (part-time), ATIS 276.2 (UHF), elevation 50 ft MSL, runway 8,000 ft with lighting limitations. Part-time tower: check the Chart Supplement for Class D hours before requesting authorization (14 CFR 107.41).

Alert Area A-632C near area 6

Alert Area A-632C, concentrated student jet training. No permission is needed in an alert area, but expect heavy jet training traffic and yield (14 CFR 107.37).

Kingsville 4 MOA

Military Operations Area: military training may be active inside the magenta hatched boundary. No permission is required, but check if active and watch for military aircraft (14 CFR 107.37).

Corpus Christi Approach contact box

Contact Corpus Christi Approach within 20 NM on 120.9 or 348.725. Manned pilots use this radio call; drone pilots get Class C authorization ahead of time (14 CFR 107.41).

Bishop airport data block near area 4

Bishop (07R): elevation 55 ft MSL, lighted runway 3,200 ft, CTAF 122.9. Monitor CTAF near this non-towered field (14 CFR 107.37).

Obstruction near area 4

291 ft MSL and 250 ft above the ground. Under 14 CFR 107.51 you may go above 400 ft AGL only within 400 ft of a structure and not above 400 ft over its top.

Cabaniss NOLF data block

Cabaniss NOLF (NGW): tower 119.65 with a star (part-time), elevation 32 ft MSL, 5,000 ft runway with lighting limitations (*L). Class D hours are in NOTAMs and the Chart Supplement. Class D requires ATC authorization while in effect (14 CFR 107.41).

Questions on this chart

Class C surface area
1. In Figure 69, a real estate photographer wants to fly at 120 ft AGL at area 3, close to Corpus Christi International. What is required? (uses Figure 69, open the free chart lesson)

Prior ATC authorization, because area 3 is in Class C from the surface to 4,000 ft MSL
Nothing, because a flight below 400 ft AGL is always under Class C
A radio call to the tower on 119.4 just before takeoff

Show answer and explanation

A. Prior ATC authorization, because area 3 is in Class C from the surface to 4,000 ft MSL

Area 3 lies inside the inner ring marked 40 over SFC, so Class C starts at the surface and runs to 4,000 ft MSL. Part 107 requires prior ATC authorization to fly there. The surface area has no gap below 400 ft, and a radio call to the tower is not how a remote pilot gets authorization.

Source: FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 69; 14 CFR 107.41

Class C shelf
2. In Figure 69, the magenta figures 40 over 12 are printed just north of the Corpus Christi International data block. What do they mean? (uses Figure 69, open the free chart lesson)

Class C from the surface to 4,000 ft MSL within 12 NM
Class C from 1,200 ft MSL up to 4,000 ft MSL in that shelf
Class B from 1,200 ft MSL up to 4,000 ft MSL

Show answer and explanation

B. Class C from 1,200 ft MSL up to 4,000 ft MSL in that shelf

In a Class C label, the top number is the ceiling and the bottom number is the floor, both in hundreds of feet MSL, so 40 over 12 means 1,200 to 4,000 ft MSL. The 12 is a floor altitude, not a distance in NM. The airspace is drawn with solid magenta lines and named CORPUS CHRISTI CLASS C, so it is not Class B.

Source: FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 69; Chart Users' Guide; 14 CFR 107.41

Shelf floor calculation
3. In Figure 69, the obstruction 1037 (977) lies near the Class C sector labeled 40 over 15. Using it to estimate ground level, would a drone at 400 ft AGL there be inside that Class C sector? (uses Figure 69, open the free chart lesson)

Yes; 400 ft AGL is above the 150 ft floor
No; that sector begins at 4,000 ft MSL
No; it would be at about 460 ft MSL, below the 1,500 ft MSL floor

Show answer and explanation

C. No; it would be at about 460 ft MSL, below the 1,500 ft MSL floor

The ground is about 1,037 minus 977, or 60 ft MSL, so 400 ft AGL is about 460 ft MSL. The bottom number, 15, is the floor in hundreds of feet MSL, so the sector starts at 1,500 ft MSL and the drone is below it. There is no 150 ft floor, and 4,000 ft MSL is the ceiling, not the floor.

Source: FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 69; Chart Users' Guide; 14 CFR 107.41

ATIS frequency
4. In Figure 69, which frequency gives the recorded weather and airport information (ATIS) at Corpus Christi International (CRP)? (uses Figure 69, open the free chart lesson)

126.8
119.4
122.95

Show answer and explanation

A. 126.8

The CRP data block lists ATIS 126.8, the recorded broadcast of weather and airport information. 119.4 follows CT and is the control tower. 122.95 at the end of the elevation line is the UNICOM.

Source: FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 69; Chart Users' Guide

Class D ceiling
5. In Figure 69, a remote pilot has authorization to fly in the Kingsville NAS (NQI) Class D near area 2 while the tower operates. Per the dashed blue box with 25, what is the top of that Class D? (uses Figure 69, open the free chart lesson)

2,500 ft AGL
2,500 ft MSL
8,000 ft MSL

Show answer and explanation

B. 2,500 ft MSL

The number in the dashed blue box is the Class D ceiling in hundreds of feet MSL, so 25 means 2,500 ft MSL. Class D ceilings are not charted in AGL. 80 in the data block (*L 80) is the longest runway, 8,000 ft, not an altitude.

Source: FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 69; Chart Users' Guide; 14 CFR 107.41

How to read altitudes on a sectional

Numbers stacked like 40/12 inside Class B or C airspace give the ceiling and floor in hundreds of feet MSL: here 4,000 ft MSL top and 1,200 ft MSL bottom. SFC means the floor is the surface. Obstruction labels show the top in MSL with the height above ground in parentheses, so 1049 (980) is a tower top at 1,049 ft MSL, 980 ft AGL. Part 107 limits are in feet above ground level, so convert before you compare. Source: FAA Aeronautical Chart Users' Guide; 14 CFR 107.51.

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