Jeppesen Chart
Jeppesen charts are high-quality aeronautical charts used by pilots for flight planning and in-flight navigation. Created by Jeppesen (a Boeing subsidiary), they are often preferred by commercial airlines and professional pilots because they standardize global flight procedures into a consistent, easy-to-read format. Why Pilots Choose Jeppesen
Consistency: Unlike government-issued charts that vary by country, Jeppesen charts use the same symbols and layouts regardless of where you are flying.
The "Briefing Strip": At the top of approach charts, Jeppesen includes a concise section containing all critical information—frequencies, final approach course, and minimums—allowing pilots to brief the arrival quickly.
Professional Standard: Demonstrating proficiency with these charts is a standard requirement in airline job interviews. How to Read a Jeppesen Approach Chart
A standard approach plate is divided into several logical sections:
Heading & Indexing: Includes the airport name, procedure type (e.g., ILS or VOR), and the index number used for filing.
Briefing Strip: Contains communication frequencies and the "primary" navigation setup. jeppesen chart
Plan View: A "bird's-eye" view showing the approach path, transitions, and surrounding terrain.
Profile View: A side-view showing altitudes and the descent angle.
Landing Minimums: Located at the bottom, this specifies the lowest altitude (DH/MDA) and visibility required to land. Accessing Charts Charts and Airway Manual - Jeppesen
The Evolution and Architecture of Jeppesen Charts In the world of aviation, precision is not just a requirement; it is a lifeline. Jeppesen charts, often referred to as "Jepp Charts" or "Jepp plates," have served as the global gold standard for aeronautical navigation for nearly a century. Published by Jeppesen, a subsidiary of Boeing, these charts provide pilots with standardized, meticulously detailed information essential for every phase of flight—from takeoff to touchdown. A Legacy of Standardization
The primary appeal of Jeppesen products lies in their global consistency. Unlike government-issued charts (such as FAA charts in the U.S.), which may vary in formatting between countries, Jeppesen maintains a single standard across more than 18,600 airports worldwide. This allows international pilots to fly into almost any airport in the world and find critical data in the exact same location on the page. Core Components of the Jeppesen Suite
Jeppesen's catalog encompasses a comprehensive array of specialized maps designed for specific flight operations: Jeppesen charts are high-quality aeronautical charts used by
This report provides an overview of Jeppesen aeronautical charts, commonly referred to as "Jepp charts," which are the industry standard for commercial and business aviation 1. Core Function and Standards
Jeppesen charts provide a global, consistent format for aeronautical data, helping pilots access critical information during high-stress flight situations. They are designed to align with how pilots think, organizing data optimally for enroute, terminal, and approach procedures. 2. Key Chart Types and Sections Enroute Charts: Used for high-altitude navigation between airports. Terminal Charts: (Standard Instrument Departure) and (Standard Terminal Arrival) charts. Approach Charts: Detailed guides for landing, divided into a (briefing information) and (graphical horizontal path). Airport Diagrams:
Detailed maps of airport layouts, including taxiways and runway information. Jeppesen Aviation Pilot Shop 3. Notable Layout Elements
Jeppesen utilizes a unique "Briefing Strip" format to streamline the approach briefing process Airport Name & Approach: Identifies the location and specific procedure. Chart Index & Revision Date: Essential for verifying that the chart is current. Communications Table: Lists required radio frequencies (ATIS, Approach, Tower). Navigation Setup:
Includes primary NAVAID frequencies and final approach courses. Jeppesen Aviation Pilot Shop 4. Digital Integration and Updates
Jeppesen charts are primarily accessed digitally through platforms like ForeFlight Garmin Pilot INTRODUCTION TO JEPPESEN NAVIGATION CHARTS Low Altitude (IFR Enroute Low): For flights below
1. The Enroute Chart (Low/High Altitude)
Often called "strip charts," these are used for the cruise phase of flight.
- Low Altitude (IFR Enroute Low): For flights below 18,000 feet MSL (Mean Sea Level). They show Victor airways (air highways), navigation aids (VORs, NDBs), restricted airspace, and minimum enroute altitudes (MEAs).
- High Altitude (IFR Enroute High): For flights in Class A airspace (above FL180). These feature Jet Routes (J-routes) and are less cluttered to account for higher speeds and longer distances.
Key Jeppesen Innovation: Unlike government charts (like the FAA’s NACO charts), Jeppesen uses a consistent color palette worldwide. Rivers are always light blue, populated areas are buff/tan, and airspace boundaries are magenta. This global consistency prevents "expectation bias" when a pilot flies from Chicago to Dubai.
2. The Plan View (The Big Picture)
This is the top-down diagram. It looks like a road map but for aircraft. You will see:
- Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs): How you get from the en-route structure to the approach.
- IAF (Initial Approach Fix): The starting gate for the approach.
- Radials and DME Arcs: Curved paths you fly around a VOR station to line up.
- Obstacles & Terrain: Little triangles showing tall towers or hills. If a number is bold and high, it’s a problem.
6. Legend & Symbology (The Cheat Sheet)
Jeppesen symbols are distinct. If you are rusty, keep the legend handy.
- Lighting: Runway lighting symbology is often shown near the runway sketch.
- Notes: "Black on white" notes are mandatory; boxed notes are critical restrictions.
Key Differences: Jeppesen vs. FAA (NACO)
If you are transitioning from government charts to Jeppesen, here are the "Gotchas" to review:
- Altitudes:
- FAA: Lists altitudes as MSL, with HAT/HAA in parentheses.
- Jepp: Lists altitudes as MSL. HAT is usually the number in parentheses, but HAA (Height Above Airport) is used for circling.
- Waypoint Symbology:
- Jeppesen uses a specific star symbol for an IAF (Initial Approach Fix) and a different shape for the FAF (Final Approach Fix).
- Critical: On a non-precision approach, the FAF is marked by a Maltese Cross on FAA charts. On Jeppesen charts, it is often just the named fix, but the "Profile View" clearly labels where the final descent begins.
- Distance:
- Jeppesen includes distance markers directly on the profile view for step-down fixes, making it easier to calculate required descent rates.
- Visual Approach Charts:
- Jeppesen visual charts are highly detailed, often depicting major highways and landmarks that FAA sectional charts might not emphasize as heavily for terminal areas.
5. Missed Approach (The Bottom Text)
Jeppesen puts the missed approach text right below the profile view or in a text block.
- Clarity: Jeppesen usually simplifies the verbiage. For example: "Climb to 2000 then right turn direct ABC VOR and hold."
- Icon: Look for the dashed line on the Profile View showing the missed approach path.
5. The Airport Sketch
A tiny diagram of the runways and taxiways. Why? So when you break out of the clouds at 200 feet, you know exactly where you are relative to the terminal.
Decoding the Chart: The "Briefing Strip"
Let’s look at the top of a Jeppesen approach chart. Everything you need for a quick brief is in that top 2 inches.
- Header (Left side): The city, airport, and specific procedure (e.g., "ILS OR LOC RWY 27L").
- Communication (Left of center): A vertical list of frequencies starting with ATIS (current weather), then Tower, Ground, and Approach Control. They are listed in the order you will use them during arrival.
- Navigation (Center): The frequency of the localizer (e.g., 110.3 I-LAX) and the final approach course (e.g., 271°).
- Minimums (Right side): This is the money section. It tells you how low you can go. You will see categories (A, B, C, D based on speed) and altitudes (DA/DH for precision, MDA for non-precision).
