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FAA Aeronautical Charts

AIM ¶ 9-1-1 — FAA Aeronautical Charts

AIM 9-1-1: Learn who produces U.S. civil aeronautical charts. Quick reference for student pilots prepping for written tests, oral exams, and checkrides.

In Plain English

AIM 9-1-1 establishes the source of official civil aeronautical charts used by pilots flying in the United States and its territories and possessions.

Key points to know:

  • Civil aeronautical charts are produced by Aeronautical Information Services (AIS).
  • AIS is part of the FAA's Air Traffic Organization, Mission Support Services.
  • Safety alerts and chart-related information are published online at the FAA's AeroNav website.

Why it matters operationally: Knowing where your charts come from matters because pilots are required to use current and appropriate aeronautical charts for navigation. Understanding that the FAA (through AIS) is the authoritative producer helps you distinguish official products (like Sectionals, Terminal Area Charts, IFR Enroute Charts, and the Chart Supplement) from third-party derivatives. When chart data changes — airspace, frequencies, obstacles — AIS is the agency behind those updates, and their safety alerts page is where critical chart corrections are posted between publication cycles.

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AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 9-1-1
9-1-1. 9-1-1. General Civil aeronautical charts for the U.S. and its territories, and possessions are produced by Aeronautical Information Services (AIS), https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/safety_alerts/ which is part of FAA's Air Traffic Organization, Mission Support Services.
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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Who produces civil aeronautical charts for the United States?
Per AIM 9-1-1, civil aeronautical charts for the U.S. and its territories and possessions are produced by Aeronautical Information Services (AIS).
Q2Where does Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) fit within the FAA?
Per AIM 9-1-1, AIS is part of the FAA's Air Traffic Organization, Mission Support Services.
Q3Where can a pilot find FAA safety alerts related to aeronautical charts?
Per AIM 9-1-1, safety alerts are posted on the FAA AeroNav website at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/safety_alerts/.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 9
9-1-2
Obtaining Aeronautical Charts
9-1-3
Safety Alerts and Charting Notices
9-1-4
FAA Charts and Products
9-1-5
FAA Chart Series Overview
9-1-6
Foreign Area Charts
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