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Quiz: Can You Identify These 6 Common Approach Chart Symbols?

How many do you know?

  1. 1) What does the circle surrounding this waypoint indicate?
    Boldmethod

    When a waypoint has a circle around it, it indicates that the waypoint is a fly-over point and must be flown over, as opposed to a fly-by point which can use turn anticipation. 

    When a waypoint has a circle around it, it indicates that the waypoint is a fly-over point and must be flown over, as opposed to a fly-by point which can use turn anticipation. 

  2. 2) What is the bold "V"?
    Boldmethod

    The visual descent point is the point on the non-precision approach which allows for a normal 3 degree descent path to the runway. Any point past the visual decent point may require a missed approach to be executed due to an excessive descent rate needed to reach the runway. 

    The visual descent point is the point on the non-precision approach which allows for a normal 3 degree descent path to the runway. Any point past the visual decent point may require a missed approach to be executed due to an excessive descent rate needed to reach the runway. 

  3. 3) What is the lightning bolt symbol?
    Boldmethod

    This indicates glideslope intercept altitude on the precision approach. 

    This indicates glideslope intercept altitude on the precision approach. 

  4. 4) What do the 3 white ovals indicate on the airport diagram?
    Boldmethod

    These white ovals indicate the location of the displaced threshold. 

    These white ovals indicate the location of the displaced threshold. 

  5. 5) What does this symbol (A4) denote?
    Boldmethod

    This represents the type of approach lighting configuration for the runway. In this example, "A4" means the lighting is a medium intensity or simplified short approach light system, which can be a MALS, MALSF, SSALS, or SSALF. In this case, it's a MALSF, which is labeled at the top of the box.

    This represents the type of approach lighting configuration for the runway. In this example, "A4" means the lighting is a medium intensity or simplified short approach light system, which can be a MALS, MALSF, SSALS, or SSALF. In this case, it's a MALSF, which is labeled at the top of the box.

  6. 6) What does "TCH 63" mean?
    Boldmethod

    This indicates the threshold crossing height, which is 63 feet. 

    This indicates the threshold crossing height, which is 63 feet. 

Well, that could have gone better...

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Not bad, you have most of these symbols down.

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Your approach chart knowledge: Expert

You scored %. Nice work.

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Corey Komarec

Corey is an Airbus 320 First Officer for a U.S. Major Carrier. He graduated as an aviation major from the University of North Dakota, and he's been flying since he was 16. You can reach him at corey@boldmethod.com.

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