FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Navigation and Flight PlanningEasy
A pilot is planning a VFR cross-country flight. The sectional chart depicts an airport with a runway symbol, a solid magenta circle, and a frequency box labeled 'CTAF 122.8'. What does the solid magenta circle indicate about this airport?
- AIt has an operating control tower.
- BIt is a private airport not open to the public.
- CIt does not have an operating control tower.
- DIt is a military airfield with restricted access.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. It does not have an operating control tower.
On a sectional chart, an airport depicted with a solid magenta circle indicates that it is a public-use airport without an operating control tower. The presence of 'CTAF 122.8' further confirms that it is an uncontrolled airport, as CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency) is used for self-announced advisories at such airfields.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A blue circle indicates a control tower.
- B. Private airports are typically identified by an 'R' in a circle or other specific notes.
- D. Military airfields are depicted with specific symbols, often with 'MIL' designation.
Sectional Chart Airport Symbols
Graphical representations on aviation charts that convey information about airports, including their type, services, and operational status.
- Blue symbols indicate airports with control towers.
- Magenta symbols indicate airports without control towers.
- Runway length and surface type are also depicted.
Memory trick: Blue means Busy, Magenta means Mellow (no tower)