How to download current FAA sectional charts

Updated 2026-10-16. Independent guide, not affiliated with the FAA.

  1. Go to the FAA VFR Raster Charts page.
  2. Under Sectional, pick your area (for example Washington or Los Angeles) and download the current edition ZIP. It contains a GeoTIFF you can open in most image viewers or GIS tools.
  3. Charts change every 56 days. The edition used for our chart questions is dated September 3, 2026; the next is October 29, 2026.

FAA charts are U.S. government works and in the public domain. They are free.

A 20-minute study drill

Pick five airports near you. For each: surface airspace class, authorization needed or not, Class D ceiling if any, CTAF, field elevation, tallest nearby obstacle MSL/AGL. Then check your answers against the legend.

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Excerpts from current FAA sectionals, worked explanations, score by topic. About 5 minutes, no signup.

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FAQ

Are FAA sectional charts free?
Yes. Digital sectionals are free downloads from the FAA.

Full access

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The FAA test costs about $175 at the testing center, and a fail means a 14-day wait to retest.

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