Airport Layout Charts Deciphered
Navigating the chaotic and hectic world of an airport as a pilot ain't no walk in the park. But with the help of a handy dandy airport diagram, even a rookie pilot can find their way to the runway or parking spot with ease!
So, how do these airport diagrams work, and what secrets are they hiding inside? Let's dive into the nitty-gritty and break it all down for you.
For today's lesson, let's take a look at Prescott Regional Airport to help us understand the elements of an airport diagram and how to make the most use of the information at our disposal.
Elements of an Airport Diagram
- Margin Data
- Frequency List
- Taxiways
- Runways
- Miscellaneous Information
- Hot Spots
Margin Data
Don't ignore the fine print! Airport diagrams, published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have a common format and include important information on the margins. Here's a quick rundown of margin data:
- Date of Latest Revision: This is the day the chart was last changed, in the Julian date format (e.g., 23054 represents the 54th day of the year 2023).
- Type of Chart: The title "airport diagram" helps pilots easily identify what chart they're looking at when juggling multiple reference charts.
- Airport Name and Identifier: The airport's name and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) identifier (e.g., Prescott Regional - Ernest A Love Field, PRC) help to confirm you've got the right diagram.
- Effective Date: The period when the airport diagram is accurate, usually displayed on both the left and right sides of the chart (e.g., September 7, 2023, to October 5, 2023).
When the effective date passes, it's time to toss that old diagram, as it's no longer accurate for aeronautical information. Keep using the latest one!
Frequency List
Found in the top left corner of all airport diagrams is a valuable list of relevant frequencies. This includes:
- Communication frequencies: Tower, ground, approach, etc.
- Information frequencies: Flight service stations, automated weather observations, etc.
- Notam frequencies: Automatic terminal information service (ATIS) recoding numbers
- Airport advisory frequencies: Unicom, CTAF, etc.
Taxiways and Runways
The fun bit! The gray areas containing "aircraft traffic movement areas" are called taxiways, and they help you get from your parking spot to the runway. These areas are labeled with a combination of letters and numbers, like the famous Charlie foxtrot (C1F).
Black lines are runways. You'll find multiple runways at Prescott Regional, such as 3R and 3L for takeoffs and landings.
Extra Goodies
Other miscellaneous information that may come in handy includes airport beacon locations, tower heights, field elevations, latitudes, longitudes, and more. But don't get overwhelmed! Gather what you need and focus on the task at hand: finding your way around the airport like a true pro.
Hot Spots
Some airport areas require extra vigilance due to the risk of collisions or runway incursions. Translated to aviation lingo: they are known as "hot spots." They are marked with brown circles and labeled HS 1 and HS 2 at Prescott Regional, where you should keep your eyes peeled for any potential hazards.
Conclusion
While this guide covers the essentials, don't forget that each airport may have its own unique symbols and operational procedures. Consult your instructor or the Aeronautical Chart Users' Guide for more details.
Airport diagrams are all over the internet, so grab the latest one from the FAA, Airnav, or AOPA websites and start familiarizing yourself with your next destination. Don't hesitate to ask air traffic control for help if you're lost! They'll be happy to provide progressive taxi instructions and keep you safe on the ground.
Remember, mix 'em up, add a pinch of common sense, and you're ready to navigate your way to becoming a skilled, airport-chasing pilot! Don't let anything - not even the craziest of airport diagrams - get in your way! Vaya con dios!
- By understanding the elements of an airport diagram, such as the margin data, frequency list, taxiways, runways, and hot spot markings, a pilot can navigate more efficiently through the Prescott Regional Airport and avoid potential hazards.
- In the event of a diverted flight or unfamiliar destination, consult the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Airnav, or AOPA websites to access the latest airport diagrams, ensuring that all aeronautical information is up-to-date during financial transactions in the transportation and aviation industries.
