Types of Charts
| Chart Type | What It Shows | When You Use It |
|---|---|---|
| SID (Standard Instrument Departure) | Departure route from runway to en-route airspace, with waypoints, headings, and altitude restrictions | After takeoff, to follow the assigned departure procedure |
| STAR (Standard Terminal Arrival Route) | Arrival route from en-route airspace to the approach phase, with descent and speed constraints | During descent, to follow the assigned arrival procedure |
| Approach Chart (IAP) | Instrument approach procedure (ILS, RNAV, VOR) with course, altitudes, minimums, and missed approach | On final approach to the destination airport |
| Airport Diagram | Runway layout, taxiways, gates, and ground markings | During taxi at departure and arrival airports |
| Enroute Chart | Airway network, navigation aids, and sector boundaries | During cruise to verify your route and nearby navaids |
Navigraph Charts (Premium)
Navigraph is the most widely used chart service in flight simulation. It provides Jeppesen-sourced charts covering airports worldwide, updated every 28 days on the real-world AIRAC cycle. Key features:- Full chart library - SIDs, STARs, approach plates, airport diagrams, and enroute charts for airports worldwide
- Desktop, web, and mobile apps - View charts on a second monitor, tablet, or phone while flying
- In-sim integration - Overlay charts directly in MSFS 2020/2024 and X-Plane with a moving map that tracks your aircraft position
- SimBrief integration - Charts link directly to your SimBrief flight plan, automatically showing relevant charts for your route
- Navigation data - Navigraph also provides updated nav databases for your simulator and aircraft add-ons, keeping waypoints and procedures current
Navigraph requires a paid subscription. A free Navigraph account gives you access to SimBrief for flight planning, but chart access and nav data updates require the paid tier.
Free Chart Sources
You do not need a paid subscription to access aviation charts. Several free tools provide the charts you need for VATSIM flying.ChartFox
Free chart database built for flight simulation. Log in with your VATSIM account to access SIDs, STARs, approach charts, and airport diagrams for airports worldwide.
Little Navmap
Free desktop application with a moving map, flight planning, airport information, and approach procedure visualization. Works with MSFS and X-Plane.
SkyVector
Free web-based flight planning with IFR and VFR charts. Strongest coverage for US airspace. Useful for enroute chart viewing and route planning.
AIP.aero
Free access to official Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs) for European countries including France, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, and the UK.
Country-Specific Free Sources
Many countries publish their aeronautical charts for free through their civil aviation authority:| Region | Source | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| United States | FAA Digital Products | All US airports - Terminal Procedures, airport diagrams, enroute charts |
| Canada | NAV CANADA | Canadian Air Pilot (CAP) with approach and departure procedures |
| Europe | EUROCONTROL | Airspace data and route information for European airspace |
| Australia | Airservices Australia AIP | Australian aeronautical charts and procedures |
Reading a Chart - The Essentials
You do not need to understand every symbol on a chart to use it effectively. Focus on these key elements:On a SID Chart
- Route - The sequence of waypoints and the path from the runway to the first en-route fix
- Altitude restrictions - Minimum or maximum altitudes at specific waypoints (e.g., “cross DEDKI at or above 3,000”)
- Transitions - Different branches of the departure that connect to different en-route airways or waypoints
- Runway assignment - Which runways the SID applies to (some SIDs have different initial routes per runway)
On an Approach Chart
- Final approach course - The heading and distance for the final segment to the runway
- Decision altitude or minimums - The lowest altitude you can descend to before you must see the runway or go around
- Missed approach procedure - What to fly if you cannot land (climb heading, altitude, hold point)
- Frequencies - The ILS localizer frequency, or the RNAV waypoint identifiers
On an Airport Diagram
- Runway layout - Runway numbers, lengths, and orientations
- Taxiway labels - The letter/number designations ATC uses in taxi instructions (e.g., “taxi via Alpha, Bravo”)
- Terminal and gate areas - Where to park after landing
Modern flight simulator aircraft (A320, 737, etc.) load SIDs and STARs directly into the FMS from your flight plan. The chart serves as your reference to verify what the FMS is doing and to understand altitude and speed restrictions. You rarely need to manually fly a chart point-by-point.
Next Steps
Flight Planning
File your flight plan with the correct route, SID, and STAR using SimBrief
ATC Interaction
Understand how controllers assign departures, approaches, and vectors