Frequently Asked Questions

ApproachCharts is a free tool for browsing FAA instrument charts at every US airport. Search any airport, preview any chart — approaches, DPs, STARs, airport diagrams — all without an account.

When you're ready to print, build a binder. Pick charts from multiple airports, choose your print format, and download a single print-ready PDF for your trip. Perfect as a printed backup to your EFB or as your primary chart source.

All charts are always current with the latest FAA cycle.

Just start searching. Type any airport identifier, name, or city into the search bar. Every chart at that airport appears instantly — browse, preview, and download individual charts for free. No account needed.

When you want to build a binder:

1. Add charts from any airport to your binder
2. Add charts from your other airports — departure, destination, alternates
3. Choose your format (2-Up, Extra Margin, or Enlarged) and generate your PDF

You'll only need an account when you're ready to generate. Buy a credit or start a subscription and your PDF is ready in seconds.

Browsing and previewing charts is always free.

When you're ready to generate a PDF binder, there are three options:

• Binder Credit — $6: One credit, one binder. Any charts, any airports. Perfect for a single trip.
• Monthly — $8/month: Unlimited binders, saved templates, and one-click regeneration every cycle. Cancel anytime.
• Annual — $69/year (save 28%): Everything in Monthly at the best price. Stay current all year.

A binder credit ($6) gets you one PDF binder — you pick your charts, pick your format, and download. Buy credits as you need them, perfect for occasional trips.

A subscription ($8/month or $69/year) gives you unlimited binders plus two key features: saved templates (so you can save a route and regenerate it later) and one-click regeneration (when charts update every 28 days, regenerate any saved binder with one click to get the latest charts). If you fly regularly or want to stay current without re-building each time, the subscription pays for itself quickly.

Yes. Cancel from your account page at any time. You'll keep access through the end of your current billing period. No hidden fees, no questions asked.

You can update your payment method through the Billing & Subscription section in your account menu. This takes you to our secure Stripe billing portal where you can update your card, view invoices, and manage your subscription.

We provide access to every chart in the FAA's Digital Terminal Procedures Publication (d-TPP):

• IAPs: Instrument approach procedures (ILS, RNAV, VOR, NDB, LOC, LDA, etc.)
• DPs: Departure procedures
• ODPs: Obstacle departure procedures
• STARs: Standard terminal arrival routes
• APDs: Airport diagrams

Every chart the FAA publishes for a US airport is searchable, previewable, and downloadable.

No. All charts are official government-issued FAA charts. We do not provide Jeppesen charts.

All charts update with each AIRAC cycle (every 28 days). The current cycle and its effective dates are displayed at the top of every page. Any binder you generate always contains the current edition of each chart.

Yes. When the FAA publishes a new cycle (typically 7–10 days before it becomes effective), you'll have the option to generate binders using either the current effective cycle or the upcoming cycle. This lets you plan ahead and have current charts ready when you need them.

Three formats, optimized for different cockpit setups:

• 2-Up Standard: Two charts per page at published size. Maximum paper efficiency. Best for flight bags.
• 2-Up Extra Margin: Two charts per page with extra margin for hole-punch. Designed for 3-ring binders and kneeboards.
• Enlarged: One chart per page, full letter size. Maximum readability. No squinting at tiny text.

Download a sample of each format (KOSH approach charts):

All PDFs are print-ready with high-resolution output.

Yes — with a subscription. Save any binder with a custom name. When a new FAA cycle is published, regenerate it with one click to get the latest editions of all your charts. Perfect for routes you fly regularly.

Credit-generated binders can be regenerated by purchasing a new credit.

Individual chart previews and downloads are free and unlimited — no account needed.

For PDF binders: each credit generates one binder. Subscribers get unlimited binders — generate as many as you need, whenever you need them.

Yes — that's the whole point. Add charts from your departure, destination, and alternate airports into a single binder. No limit on how many airports you include. One PDF, one print job, every chart you need for the trip.

Most of our users do too. ApproachCharts.com gives you a printed backup that's always current — no batteries, no updates mid-flight, no screen glare. Think of it as your plan B that takes 60 seconds to prepare.

The PDF binders work on any device that opens PDFs — iPads, tablets, laptops, phones. But they're specifically optimized for printing. If you want a digital-only chart experience, your EFB already does that well. We're here for when you want paper.

Yes. All charts are sourced directly from the FAA. Each PDF includes cycle dates and chart amendment information exactly as published. Always verify you're using current charts before flight.

Currently, ApproachCharts covers all airports within the FAA's Digital Terminal Procedures Publication — all US airports with published instrument procedures plus US territories. International airports outside the FAA's coverage area are not available at this time.

Contact us and we'll respond within 24 hours (usually much faster). I'm a pilot too and understand the importance of reliable tools for flight planning.