FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)Navigation and AirspaceHard
A pilot examining a sectional chart notices that the symbol for one airport is printed in blue, while a nearby airport's symbol is printed in magenta. What does this color difference indicate?
- AThe blue airport is above 3,000 feet elevation; the magenta airport is below
- BThe blue airport is public use; the magenta airport is private use
- CThe blue airport has a paved runway; the magenta airport has a turf runway
- DThe blue airport has a control tower; the magenta airport does not have a control tower
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The blue airport has a control tower; the magenta airport does not have a control tower
On sectional charts, airport symbols are printed in blue if the airport has an operating control tower, and in magenta if it does not (including part-time towers when the tower is closed). Runway surface and public/private status are shown separately.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Elevation has no bearing on symbol color.
- B. Public/private use status is depicted with a different symbol modification, not color alone.
- C. Runway surface type is depicted differently, not by symbol color.
Sectional Airport Symbol Color
Airport symbols are printed in blue for airports with an operating control tower and in magenta for airports without a control tower.
- Blue = airport has an operating control tower
- Magenta = no control tower, or tower not in continuous operation
- Symbol shape indicates hard-surfaced vs. other runway types
Memory trick: Blue like the sky where the tower controller watches; magenta means 'mind yourself,' no tower.