Start with the purpose of the view
Use the map layers control to select the available U.S. VFR Sectional, IFR Low or IFR High view. These are different chart products, not simply different color themes. Choose the chart suited to the planning task and check its coverage and effective dates.
On an aviation chart, airport symbols are already printed into the chart. Extra app markers may be hidden so they do not cover those details.
Find the airport-specific documents
Open an airport and choose Charts to inspect available airport diagrams and instrument approach documents. Read the document title and effective date rather than assuming every PDF applies to your planned operation.
- Airport identifier and document name match your field.
- The chart cycle/date is appropriate.
- The page is readable at a useful scale.
- Relevant documents are included in preparation.
Prepare the layer you intend to use
Open Prepare flight and review the selected chart layer and route corridor. Download available coverage while connected. Switching to a different layer in flight does not guarantee that its data was downloaded earlier.
Review any missing or incomplete coverage message. A visible base map is not evidence that every aviation chart tile or document is saved.
Use the chart with current information
Charts are one part of flight preparation. They do not replace current weather, restrictions, NOTAMs, aircraft limitations or an applicable clearance. The learning library explains how IFR enroute charts and approach procedures differ and how to build a repeatable chart review habit.
FLAL provides supplemental planning and situational awareness. Verify current official information and your equipment setup. Offline data is a saved snapshot, not a live update.