
What do the flags mean in golf?
These positions can also be indicated via the colors of the flags rather than positioning with a red flag indicating a front flagsticks position, a white flag indicating a middle position, and a blue or black flag to indicate a back flagstick position. There are other flags involved in golf as well, such as the blue cart flag.
Why do golf courses color code the flags on Flagsticks?
Some golf courses color code the flags on flagsticks to denote if the hole location is near the front, center or back of the green. Another way of doing the same thing is to put the flag high, middle or low on the stick. (A course that does this should note the practice on its scorecard or pin sheet.)
What does the position of the flag on the pole indicate?
Sometimes the positioning of the flag on the flag pole indicates where the hole can be found. If the secondary flag is at the top of the pole it means that the hole has been cut on the back section of the green.
What do the symbols on a sectional chart mean?
There are also several other symbols found in sectional charts to represent various types of obstacles, as summarized below: The MEF represents the highest elevation of any terrain or man-made features in a quadrant. Its figures are rounded up to the nearest hundreds are expressed in hundreds of feet.

What is a flag on sectional?
The flag indicates that there will be a large obstruction depicted on the next printing of the chart. But we already know that large obstructions typically have their own symbol or set of symbols and so I would flip back to the sectional chart and see that there's a whole section of obstructions.
What is yellow on sectional chart?
Yellow areas indicate that, while flying at night, you will be able to easily identify the area as Richmond (or anywhere else) on a sectional chart.
What does the star above an airport on a sectional mean?
The star signifies it has a beacon from sunset to sunrise. Restricted airport symbol. It is for emergency use or authorization from specific person or agency. This is the marking for a helipad.
How do you read an airport sectional?
0:1411:37Ep. 34: How to read a VFR Sectional Chart | Basic Chart/Map KnowledgeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd magenta. And that means it's a non towered airport we can look over here and see Punta GordaMoreAnd magenta. And that means it's a non towered airport we can look over here and see Punta Gorda it's blue that means it is a towered Airport we notice the Class D ring.
How do you read a sectional chart?
6:2021:26How To Read A VFR Sectional Chart - MzeroA Flight Training - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe flight service station also processes our flight plans beneath. That we see the phrase. No s VFRMoreThe flight service station also processes our flight plans beneath. That we see the phrase. No s VFR which stands for special VFR. No special VFR meaning that is flying in limited visual conditions.
What does star mean on sectional chart?
QUESTION: On a VFR sectional chart, you see a star symbol next to the control tower frequency. What does that star symbol tell you? ANSWER: The star symbol tells you that control tower operation is part time only. ( Source: Aeronautical Chart User's Guide, page 9)
What is a compass rose on a sectional chart?
0:0410:15VOR Symbol on the VFR Sectional Chart - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe compass rose has an arrow that points at magnetic north. And this gives you a quick check of theMoreThe compass rose has an arrow that points at magnetic north. And this gives you a quick check of the variation.
What do the tick marks around the airport circle indicate?
The current practice is to use tick marks around the airport symbol to indicate that fuel is available and the field attended Monday through Friday from 10h00 to 16h00, local time. Today, many airports have self-service fuel so there is no longer a need for an attendant to be present.
Where is the FSS on a sectional?
Normally, you would communicate with Flight Service through the frequencies shown on the sectional chart. The Flight Service frequencies are listed in a box above certain VOR stations. The most common frequencies are 122.2, 122.4, or 122.6.
How do I know if my sectional has airspace?
When Class E airspace extends down to 700 AGL, the sectional shows a faded magenta line (not a solid magenta line like Class C Airspace). When Class E Airspace extends down to the surface, the sectional shows a faded magenta line (thats the 700 AGL to 17,999 MSL) but will also show a dashed red circle.
What does AWOS 3 mean?
AWOS-3. An automated weather reporting system which transmits local real-time weather data directly to the pilot. AWOS-A Only reports altimeter setting. AWOS-1 Usually reports altimeter setting, wind data, temperature, dewpoint and density altitude. AWOS-2 Reports same as AWOS-1 plus visibility.
How do you read an airport diagram?
0:1912:05Ep. 111: Airport Diagrams Explained | Taxi Diagram Basics - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGround control frequency clearance delivery frequency. And the clearance delivery frequency. WhenMoreGround control frequency clearance delivery frequency. And the clearance delivery frequency. When the towers closed. That relays over to Fort Myers approach.
How do you know if an airport has fuel on a sectional chart?
The current practice is to use tick marks around the airport symbol to indicate that fuel is available and the field attended Monday through Friday from 10h00 to 16h00, local time. Today, many airports have self-service fuel so there is no longer a need for an attendant to be present.
What does AWOS 3 mean?
AWOS-3. An automated weather reporting system which transmits local real-time weather data directly to the pilot. AWOS-A Only reports altimeter setting. AWOS-1 Usually reports altimeter setting, wind data, temperature, dewpoint and density altitude. AWOS-2 Reports same as AWOS-1 plus visibility.
How do I know if my sectional has airspace?
When Class E airspace extends down to 700 AGL, the sectional shows a faded magenta line (not a solid magenta line like Class C Airspace). When Class E Airspace extends down to the surface, the sectional shows a faded magenta line (thats the 700 AGL to 17,999 MSL) but will also show a dashed red circle.
How do you read an approach chart?
0:3014:45Instrument Approach Plate Tutorial | IFR Training - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis number represents the last date or the last update to the instrument approach procedure andMoreThis number represents the last date or the last update to the instrument approach procedure and it's written a little strangely i think it's uh the first two digits of the year.
Why do we need sectional charts?
Sectional charts are an invaluable tool for situational awareness and flight planning. Whether you’re flying professionally or for fun, checking out a sectional chart must be part of your pre-flight procedures if you don’t want to end up hitting a flight restriction when you’re already out on the field.
What is class G?
Class G, or uncontrolled airspace, is the least restrictive of all airspace types. Since it’s not under the jurisdiction of any ATC facility, there is no need to secure any authorization to fly in Class G airspace. This type of airspace is not explicitly marked in sectional charts.
What is a quadrant on a sectional chart?
A quadrant is an area defined by a boundary within 30 minutes latitude and 30 minutes longitude.
What is the difference between Class B and Class C airspace?
It follows, then, that the extent of Class C airspace is likely smaller than Class B airspace.
How high is Class A airspace?
Sectional Chart Representation: Not shown. Class A airspace exists between the range of 18,000 feet and 60,000 feet. This airspace is typically used by commercial airlines for long-haul flights. Since drones likely aren’t capable of reaching these altitudes, a drone pilot need not be concerned with Class A airspace.
Why is special use airspace important?
Special use airspace refers to an area where there may be air traffic restrictions because of various reasons that may not bedirectly related to normal air traffic activity. The level of flight restrictions may also vary and is always in the context of the reason for declaring special use airspace. These reasons may include military training activities, artillery testing, VIP movement, air shows, natural disasters, or major sports events that can draw huge crowds.
What is the shape of a class B plane?
The geometry of Class B airspace can vary from one airport to the next but they typically form an “upside-down cake” shape where the widest layers are at the highest altitudes. To better illustrate this concept, let’s look at the sectional chart for the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (KPHX):
What does the yellow arrow on the airport mean?
The star indicates there is a rotating beacon that is active from sunset to sunrise to aid pilots in finding the airport at night. The three squares attached to the airport’s circle indicate that fuel and services are offered at the airport. At FCI, Dominion Aviation is a full-service FBO (Fixed-base Operator) that fuels and provides maintenance and services to pilots and passengers.
What does the blue arrow mean on a runway?
Blue Arrow: This is pointing to the length of the usable runway. Some runways have unusable sections such as displaced thresholds commonly meant to protect the Earth’s surface from jet-blast erosion. In this case, FCI has a runway with 5,500′ available for takeoff/landing.
What is a VFR chart?
When learning to fly, one of the first things in your training process includes learning how to read a VFR (Visual Flight Rules) Sectional Chart. These are a type of map used in aviation that shows obstacles, airspace, airports, radio/navigation frequencies, and so much more.
What is the red arrow on an airport?
Red Arrow: This arrow points at ‘123 .05 C’ which is the airport’s CTAF (Common Traffic Advisor y Frequency) which is used to communicate your intentions and positions around the airport to other pilots when the airport does not have a control tower or the tower is closed .
What is the color of the RIC?
Richmond International Airport (RIC) is located in the center of the two magenta rings. The blue triangular shape in the center is the orientation of the runways so you can visualize how the airfield is set-up.
What does the purple arrow mean in the train track?
Purple Arrow: This points to a train track, marking where you should easily be able to see the tracks running West to East into Richmond.
What does the grey arrow mean on a cell phone tower?
Grey Arrow: This indicates very high towers, typically cell phone towers , that also have lights that flash during the day and pulse red at night. In parenthesis is the actual height above ground and above it is the height respective to Mean Sea Level (MSL).
What do flags mean in golf?
Flags mark the way for a golfer's journey.
Why do golfers put flags on the green?
Whether standing on the tee area to hit a drive or hitting an approach shot from the fairway, golfers typically use the flag to help aim their shot to the green. By visualizing the most direct path to the hole, golfers can plan their shots to play the hole with the fewest number of strokes.
What is the rule for flagsticks in golf?
Rule 17 of the Rules of Golf governs flags and flagsticks. If a golfer hits the flag with a shot when the flagstick is in the cup, the next shot must be played from where the ball comes to a stop. If you putt from on the green or if the flag has been removed for your shot, you are penalized if the ball hits any part of the flagstick, ...
What does the color of the flag on the green mean?
At many courses, the color of the flag on the flagstick indicates the general location of the hole on the green. A blue or yellow flag typically indicates a pin position, or where the hole is located, at the back of the green; a white flag is used when the hole is in the middle of the green; a red flag signals a pin position at the front ...
How big is a flag stick?
The size of flags varies by course. The flagstick itself, however, is regulated by the USGA. The stick must be circular in cross-section and no more than 3/4 inch in circumference to allow enough room for the ball to drop into the cup. Also, it can't be padded or covered with absorbent material that can influence the reaction of a ball that hits it.
What is the safety feature in golf?
This safety feature typically is used in tournaments, when the course is crowded, and involves marshals who monitor play . The marshals use flag signals ...
Do flags have to be on flagsticks?
The USGA doesn't require flags to be attached to flagsticks -- some courses top the sticks with other adornments -- but the vast majority of courses maintain the tradition by using cloth or nylon flags. The size of flags varies by course. The flagstick itself, however, is regulated by the USGA.
What do the flags on a golf pin mean?
Similar to using colors to denote the location or difficulty of the hole that has been cut on the green on a given day, some courses use smaller marker flags on the pin to denote hole location. The smaller flags are secured between movable anchors, often small foam washers, which allow the markers to be moved up and down the pin.
What do golf flags indicate?
Golf flags usually indicate the hole number and location of the hole on the green, (front, middle, back).
What does the color of the flag on the green mean?
At many courses, the color of the flag on the flagstick indicates the general location of the hole on the green. A blue or yellow flag typically indicates a pin position, or where the hole is located, at the back of the green; a white flag is used when the hole is in the middle of the green; a red flag signals a pin position at the front ...
Why is the flag important in golf?
The flag's most important job is showing where the hole is for players that are too far away to see the hole. For this reason, there can be no penalty for striking a flag from distance, as it is important for the flag to be in the hole. As long as a player is taking a shot from off the green, and nobody is tending the flag during the shot, there is no penalty for a ball that is struck that hits the flag.
Why do golfers use flags?
Marking the Target. The flags on a golf course are first and foremost used to give a golfer a visual marker for each hole. Whether standing on the tee area to hit a drive or hitting an approach shot from the fairway, golfers typically use the flag to help aim their shot to the green.
How does a flag affect a golf ball?
Sometimes in doing so, the ball can end up wedged between the lip of the hole and the pin. In these instances, players should take care when removing the flag, as it will determine their score. If the ball falls into the hole, it counts as in on the stroke that got it there. If the ball pops out, it is placed back on the lip, and must be tapped in for an additional stroke.
How far above the ground is the flag on a golf course?
Used to denote where a hole is located on a green, a flag extends up several feet above the ground, ensuring that players on the course can locate the position of the hole on the green from several hundred yards out to best aim their approaches.
Is there a distinction between airports with services and those without services?
No distinction is made between air-ports with services and those without services. Runways may be exaggerated to clearly portray the pattern. Hard-sur-faced runways which are closed but still exist are included in the charted pattern.
Is Canadian airspace shown?
Individual units of designated Canadian airspace are not nec- essarily shown; instead, the aggre- gate lateral and verti- cal limits shall be portrayed as closely as possible to the comparable U.S. air- space. Appropriate notes as required may be shown.
What does it mean to hold a flagstick in golf?
That means that one golfer stands next to the hole and holds the flagstick, then removes it before the other golfer's putted ball reaches the hole.
What is the flagstick rule in golf?
In the golf rules, situations involving the flagstick are covered in Rule 13-2, within the broader Rule 13 that addresses situations on the putting greens. Those situations include whether the flag must be removed, what happens when a golfer removes the flag without authorization, what to do if the ball hits the flagstick or lodges against it, and so on. So be sure to familiarize yourself with Rule 13-2 for any questions regarding the role of the flagstick in golf.
What is a flagstick?
A flagstick is exactly that: a stick with a flag on it*. You see them on putting greens to mark the location of the hole. Some golf courses color code the flags on flagsticks to denote if the hole location is near the front, center or back of the green.
How tall is a flagstick?
The rules do not require that the flagstick be any specific height, but the USGA recommends a flagstick height of at least seven feet.
Is it OK to putt with flagstick in?
1, 2019, that penalty was removed — it is now OK for golfers to putt to a hole with the flagstick in or out, at the golfer's preference. In the golf rules, situations involving the flagstick are covered in Rule 13-2, within the broader Rule 13 that addresses situations on the putting greens.
Can you put the flag high on the stick?
Another way of doing the same thing is to put the flag high, middle or low on the stick. (A course that does this should note the practice on its scorecard or pin sheet.) Prior to 2019, it was a penalty for the golf ball to enter the cup with the flagstick still in the hole for any stroke played from the surface of the putting green. ...
Is a flagstick circular?
In a separate section of the Rules of Golf (not included in the normal rulebook) called the Equipment Rules, the governing bodies also state that the flagstick must be circular in cross-section, cannot include any shock-absorbing material or other material that might influence the movement of the golf ball.

Latitude and Longitude
Airports and Airport Information
- Airports can be found all over sectional charts and are some of the most important points of interest. There are also different types of airports and they can be distinguished in sectional charts according to whether they have a control tower, a hard-surfaced runway, or if they have fuel availability. The symbols representing airports in sectional charts can also be useful in letting dr…
Terrain and Obstacles
- Aside from points of interest, sectional charts also provide guidance for pilots to avoid obstacles and to fly above constantly changing terrain. The most prevalent indicators of the terrain are contour lines or the shaded relief map, either of which may act as the base map for the sectional chart. With a bit of practice, it only takes a cursory gl...
Controlled vs. Uncontrolled vs. Special Use Airspace
- Once you’ve learned how to locate places on a map using their coordinates, it’s time to move on to the broadest distinction of airspace types in sectional charts. Each airspace type is represented in sectional charts by a specific symbol and we’ll go over these symbols one by one. We’ll look at the sub-classifications for each category, but for now, let’s define the distinction between controlled…
Controlled Airspace
- For the most part, controlled airspace is a simple matter because they remain in fixed positions and have more or less permanent geometries. As a drone pilot, the first thing you need to know about controlled airspace is the fact that you can’t fly in these areas without securing airspace authorization first. Nowadays, this is done through the LAANC system – an automated electroni…
Uncontrolled Airspace
- Class G, or uncontrolled airspace, is the least restrictive of all airspace types. Since it’s not under the jurisdiction of any ATC facility, there is no need to secure any authorization to fly in Class G airspace. This type of airspace is not explicitly marked in sectional charts. The only thing to keep in mind is that Class G airspace still falls under the jurisdiction of the FAA, so their usual flight ru…
Special Use Airspace
- Special use airspace is a bit harder to define because of so many different types of flight restrictions and underlying causes classified under this category. Some of them may have to do with national security, while others are meant to protect huge crowds. There are also types of special use airspace that are declared to protect the drone pilot, as in artillery testing and operati…
Final Thoughts
- Sectional charts are an invaluable tool for situational awareness and flight planning. Whether you’re flying professionally or for fun, checking out a sectional chart must be part of your pre-flight procedures if you don’t want to end up hitting a flight restriction when you’re already out on the field. Looking at sectional charts can seem overwhelming for beginners. If you feel the same wa…