AIM DECODED

9-1-2. Obtaining Aeronautical Charts

AIM Text

Public sales of charts and publications are available through a network of FAA approved print providers. A listing of products, dates of latest editions and agents is available on the AIS website at: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/safety_alerts/.

Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 9-1-2.

The short answer

This AIM section is brief FAA advisory guidance on obtaining aeronautical charts. It states that public sales of charts and publications are available through a network of FAA-approved print providers, and that a listing of products, latest edition dates, and agents is available on the FAA Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) website.

Research Notes

Common Questions

Where can pilots buy FAA aeronautical charts?

According to this AIM section, public sales of charts and publications are available through a network of FAA-approved print providers, not directly from a single government store. The FAA does not list individual vendors in the text itself.

How can pilots confirm they have the latest edition of a chart?

The AIM advises that a listing of products, dates of latest editions, and agents is available on the FAA Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) website at faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/safety_alerts/, where pilots can verify current editions before purchase.