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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-sectional-named-city

How do sectional charts get their names?

After a major city in the area each chart covers.

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  1. After the state they are printed in
  2. After a major city in the area they cover ✔
  3. After the busiest airport in the area they cover

Why: Each sectional covers a big chunk of the country and is named for a major city inside it, like the Chicago or Seattle sectional.

Huh, didn't know that: A pilot on a long trip may need several sectionals, one after another.

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Why was the sectional chart so popular? It knew a lot of cities.
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References

Answer: After a major city in the area they cover. Each sectional covers a big chunk of the country and is named for a major city inside it, like the Chicago or Seattle sectional.

  1. FAA Aeronautical Chart Users' Guide (VFR Sectional Charts) aeronav.faa.gov/user_guide/cug-complete_20260709.pdf
    Sectionals are named after a major city within its area of coverage.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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