From https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/faq/ > [!quote] > The specific [[FAA]] regulation, [[FAR 91.103 Preflight Action]] "Preflight Actions," states that each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight. Although the regulation does not specifically require it, you should always carry a current chart with you in flight. Expired charts may not show frequency changes or newly constructed obstructions, both of which when unknown could be a hazard. > > The only FAA/FAR requirements that pertain to charts are: > > - Title 14 CFR section 91.503[a] (Large and Turbojet powered aircraft) > - Title 14 CFR section 135.83 (Air Carriers-Little Airplane) > - Title 14 CFR section 121.549 (Air Carrier-Big Airplanes) > > The FAA's July/August 1997 issue of FAA Aviation News on "current" aeronautical charts provided the following information: > - "You can carry old charts in your aircraft." "It is not FAA policy to violate anyone for having outdated charts in the aircraft." > - "Not all pilots are required to carry a chart." "91.503..requires the pilot in command of large and multiengine airplanes to have charts." "Other operating sections of the FAR such as Part 121 and Part 135 operations have similar requirements." > - ..."since some pilots thought they could be violated for having outdated or no charts on board during a flight, we need to clarify an important issue. As we have said, it is NOT FAA policy to initiate enforcement action against a pilot for having an old chart on board or no chart on board." That's because there is no regulation on the issue. > - ..."the issue of current chart data bases in handheld GPS receivers is a non-issue because the units are neither approved by the FAA or required for flight, nor do panel-mounted VFR-only GPS receivers have to have a current data base because, like handheld GPS receivers, the pilot is responsible for pilotage under VFR. > - "If a pilot is involved in an enforcement investigation and there is evidence that the use of an out-of-date chart, no chart, or an out-of-date database contributed to the condition that brought on the enforcement investigation, then that information could be used in any enforcement action that might be taken."