FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Navigation and Flight PlanningMedium
A pilot is flying a VFR cross-country flight. The destination airport is marked on the sectional chart with a magenta segmented circle. This symbol indicates:
- AAn airport that has an operating control tower on a part-time basis.
- BA Class E airspace airport with a part-time control tower.
- CAn airport with a control tower that operates full-time.
- DA Class G airport with a control tower that operates part-time.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. An airport that has an operating control tower on a part-time basis.
A magenta segmented circle on a sectional chart depicts an airport with an operating control tower that operates on a part-time basis. When the tower is not operating, the airspace reverts to Class G or Class E surface area, as appropriate.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Incorrect. A magenta segmented circle indicates a part-time tower, but the airspace is not necessarily Class E surface area when the tower is active.
- C. Incorrect. A blue segmented circle indicates a full-time control tower.
- D. Incorrect. While the airspace may revert to Class G when the tower is closed, the primary depiction is for the part-time tower operation, not just a Class G airport.
Magenta Segmented Circle (Sectional)
On a sectional chart, a magenta segmented circle denotes an airport with a control tower that operates on a part-time basis.
- Indicates part-time control tower operations.
- Airspace reverts to Class G or E surface area when the tower is closed.
- Differs from a blue segmented circle (full-time tower).
Memory trick: Circle colors tell the tower's hours.