How to read a sectional chart for Part 107
Updated 2026-10-16. Independent guide, not affiliated with the FAA.
From October 26, 2026 the Part 107 test includes sectional excerpts that are not in the testing supplement (FAA ATCA, Sept 2026). Use this five-step routine on every chart question.
Step 1: Find the thing the question names
Airports are labeled with their name and identifier, for example MILLVILLE MUNI (MIV). Blue airport symbols have a control tower; magenta ones do not.
Step 2: Read the airspace around it
- Solid blue lines: Class B. Numbers like 100/40 are ceiling/floor in hundreds of feet MSL.
- Solid magenta: Class C, same number format.
- Dashed blue: Class D, ceiling in a box like [25] = 2,500 ft MSL; [-25] means up to but not including 2,500.
- Dashed magenta: Class E starting at the surface. ATC authorization is still required.
- Magenta shading (vignette): Class E starts at 700 ft AGL; Class G below.
- Blue shading: Class E starts at 1,200 ft AGL.
Step 3: Decode the airport data block
Example: CT - 118.3 * C ATIS 124.1 1203 L 72 122.95. CT is the tower frequency; the star means part-time; the C means it becomes the CTAF when the tower is closed. 1203 is field elevation in feet MSL. L means lighting. 72 means the longest runway is 7,200 ft. 122.95 is UNICOM.
Step 4: Check obstacles and terrain
Obstacles show two numbers: bold is the top in feet MSL, the one in parentheses is height above ground (AGL). Under 14 CFR 107.51 you may fly up to 400 ft above a structure while within 400 ft of it.
Step 5: Look for special use airspace and coordinates
Blue hatched boundaries are prohibited, restricted or warning areas; magenta hatched are MOAs and alert areas. Latitude and longitude lines are labeled every 30 minutes with 1-minute ticks.
Try 10 chart questions free
Excerpts from current FAA sectionals, worked explanations, score by topic. About 5 minutes, no signup.
Take the free 10-question chart diagnosticOfficial references: the sectional legend in the testing supplement FAA-CT-8080-2H and the FAA Aeronautical Chart User's Guide.
FAQ
- What is the fastest way to learn sectional charts?
- Learn the legend by topic, then practice on unseen excerpts, checking each answer against the legend.
- Are sectional altitudes MSL or AGL?
- Airspace altitudes are MSL unless marked AGL or SFC. Obstacles show both: bold MSL, parentheses AGL.
Full access
$24 one-time. No subscription.
The FAA test costs about $175 at the testing center, and a fail means a 14-day wait to retest.
- 178 chart questions on excerpts from current FAA sectionals, each with a worked explanation
- 304 general Part 107 questions mapped to Remote Pilot ACS codes
- Timed 60-question mock exams in the FAA test format (2 hours, 70% to pass)
- Read the current chart mode: unseen chart excerpts, timed
- Spaced repetition review that remembers what you miss
- No account, no subscription, works on your phone
- No account
- Works on your phone
- Instant access
SectionalDrill is independent and not affiliated with the FAA, the U.S. government or any government agency.