FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)WeatherMedium
A pilot is planning a VFR flight and consults a Sectional Chart. They notice an area marked with a 'V' over a specific airport. What does this 'V' typically indicate on a Sectional Chart?
- AA VOR radio navigation aid.
- BAn active volcano in the area.
- CA restricted airspace boundary.
- DA VFR checkpoint for pilots.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. A VFR checkpoint for pilots.
On a Sectional Chart, a 'V' symbol (often enclosed in a flag) indicates a VFR (Visual Flight Rules) checkpoint. These are prominent landmarks pilots can use to navigate and report their position to ATC if desired.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect. VORs are depicted by a specific symbol (a hexagon with a dot in the center) and their frequency.
- B. Incorrect. Active volcanoes are typically depicted with a specific volcano symbol, not a 'V'.
- C. Incorrect. Restricted airspace is depicted by blue hash marks and an 'R' followed by numbers.
VFR Checkpoint Symbol
On a Sectional Aeronautical Chart, a 'V' symbol (often within a flag or star) marks a VFR Checkpoint, which is a prominent landmark used by VFR pilots for navigation and position reporting.
- Identifies a prominent landmark.
- Used for visual navigation.
- Can be used for position reporting to ATC.
- Helps pilots stay oriented in VFR conditions.
Memory trick: Chart Symbols: Clues for Clear Choices.