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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-sectional-56-days

How often are VFR sectional charts updated?

Every 56 days, so pilots get fresh information.

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  1. Every year
  2. Every 6 months
  3. Every 56 days ✔

Why: Airports, towers and airspace change all the time. The FAA puts out new sectionals every 56 days, so pilots should check that their chart is current.

Huh, didn't know that: Short-notice changes between chart dates come out as NOTAMs.

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Why did the old chart feel sad? It was out of date and nobody would take it out.
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References

Answer: Every 56 days. Airports, towers and airspace change all the time. The FAA puts out new sectionals every 56 days, so pilots should check that their chart is current.

  1. FAA Aeronautical Chart Users' Guide (VFR Sectional Charts) aeronav.faa.gov/user_guide/cug-complete_20260709.pdf
    These charts are updated every 56 days.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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