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Current Sectional Charts and Terminal Area Charts are necessary for pilotage and dead-reckoning. They also contain invaluable information about airspace. Downloads are available from the FAA website. However, you should always have a paper copy available. Paper copies can be purchased from almost any flight store. Electronic versions are included in many apps such as ForeFlight or WingX (note: many of these apps require an annual subscription). Charts are valid for 56 days and you are responsible for having a current, up-to-date version. *Note: Amazon does NOT generally offer the best prices for Sectional Charts and TACs. Shop around!
Aeronautical Chart Users Guide – This book is published by the FAA and can also be purchased as a print version. It contains information about how to read and use your sectional charts and TACs.
Chart Supplement – This document contains information (airport diagrams, runway information and lengths, field elevation, communication and weather frequencies, and any other pertinent information) about all of the airports in the United States. It is split into regions: the East Central US version contains airports in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Copies are available for downloaded from the FAA website. Paper copies can be purchased from almost any flight store. Electronic versions are available in ForeFlight and possibly other apps. The chart supplement is updated every 56 days. It is your responsibility to have a current, up-to-date version. Because the chart supplement is updated more frequently than charts, you should always read through the Aeronautical Chart Bulletins section to mark up your charts as needed.
Flying the Corridors – Information about VFR corridors and flyways that route VFR traffic outside of class B airspace. Article by Plane & Pilot magazine.
Aircraft Speed Limits Explained – This article from Flying magazine explains all of the different speed limits in different types of airspace and at different altitudes.
Everything You Need to Know about Mode C Transponders – An article from Flying magazine about mode C transponders and where their usage is required.
The Logic Behind Class B Airspace – Information about how class bravo airspace works, by Boldmethod.
A VFR Pilot’s Guide To Flying In Class B Airspace – Boldmethod’s guide to flying in class bravo under VFR.
The Logic Behind Class C Airspace – Information about class charlie airspace.
Don’t Underestimate Class D Airspace – Information about class delta airspace.
The Logic Behind Class E Airspace – A great article by Boldmethod about class echo airspace.
This is How Class G Airspace Works – Another great article by Boldmethod explaining class golf airspace.
Pilots’ Role in Collision Avoidance (AC 90-48) – Avoid midair collisions by understanding how to scan the airspace around your airplane, and ensure that you execute proper clearing turns before maneuvers.
FAA TFR Database – Search for TFRs before your flight. “I didn’t know it was there” is not an adequate excuse for flying into a flight restricted area!
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) and Flight Limitations (AC 91-63) – This advisory circular contains more information on TFRs, which are regulated in FAR §91. Use websites such as the FAA TFR database, 1800wxbrief or SkyVector, or apps such as ForeFlight, to check for TFRs before each and every flight.
A Complete Guide to Decoding NOTAMs – This blog post (and e-book) is essential reading for helping you understand NOTAMs. Remember, as pilot in command, you will be responsible for knowing the NOTAMs. So read them!