The FAA plans to put visual navigation and planning charts on a 56-day publication cycle early next year, a much shorter time frame than the 168 days to two years cycle the chart updates are now on.
The new 56-day publication cycle will take effect on Feb. 25, 2021, for all sectional aeronautical charts, VFR terminal area charts, VFR flyway planning charts, and Helicopter Route Charts, according to officials with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
The new publication dates coincide with the publication of other en route, terminal, and supplemental chart products, AOPA officials added.
The FAA expects the change to result in significant reductions of chart-related NOTAMs because new information will be added to charts more quickly than the current publication cycles. The change will also make the chart bulletins that are contained in chart supplement volumes unnecessary, FAA officials said.
“AOPA has been advocating for this change and working with the FAA to move toward a 56-day cycle for some time and appreciates the FAA’s willingness to work collaboratively to bring about one of the biggest changes to visual charts in decades,” said Rune Duke, AOPA senior director of airspace, air traffic, and aviation security. “We know from our surveys that close to 90% of pilots are primarily using electronic charts and no longer rely on paper charts. We believe this transition will improve safety and allow greater modernization of charting products to meet general aviation pilots’ needs, but we also remain sensitive to paper chart availability and cost.”
Pilots should note that some VFR navigation charts currently in effect will become obsolete earlier than their published expiration dates. Affected charts will be listed in a charting notice expected to be released soon, AOPA officials noted.