There are several Internet sources where one can download instrument approach plates, airport diagrams, and Low Altitude Enroute charts, all for free. In addition, flight-planning forms are also available on the Internet. I've previously listed most of these, but those notations are spread out amongst several different group mails, making them difficult to find again.

These resources are valuable enough to merit a listing here in our Technical Article section.

Find Approach Plates (and more!) here:

1. Here's a great tip from Mark Beaumont, our Aircraft Design Coordinator:
   The US Gov. is now making available all of their U.S. Terminal Procedure Publications online, in PDF Format. Both current versions and the previous edition (for 28 days) will be available. Check out this website:
   http://naco.faa.gov/index.asp?xml=naco/online/d_tpp
   
   
   
2. Here's a nice source of US Approach plates, Sectional Charts, Terminal Area Charts, and much more. Suggested by both Bart Logan and Ian Richardson:
   http://www.myairplane.com
   
   
   
3. Here's another resource for US Airports, submitted by Anthony VanCampen:
   http://www.fltplan.com
   
   
   • Click on the "New to FltPlan.com?" Link.
     
     
   • Click on the "Airport Info" Button at right side of page.
     
     
   • Now you're at an airport page with all the info you could want.
     
     
   • Enter the airport ID or name at the top of the page.
     
     
   • In the Green Bar about one-third down the page ... "View Approaches for ..." Choose the appropriate approach plate with the drop-down menu then click the "Select" button.
     
     
   • Now you can print the approach plate of your choice.
     
     
   • Don't need to register for this feature. This is one page you better bookmark.
     
     
4. Here's a great link for aviation charts world-wide. Thanks to Philippe Knockaert, DC3-565, for pointing us to this very worthwhile resource.
   
   
5. United Kingdom, submitted by Tim Cook:
   http://www.ais.org.uk/aes/pubs
   
   One must register (e-mail and any password) to use this free resource.
   
   
6. Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, submitted by Thomas Neff:
   http:/http://www.vacc-sag.org//www.vacc-sag.org
   
   Then click on "Downloads" ... then "Charts" ... then "Select an ICA Code" pull-down menu.
   
   
7. Europe, submitted by John Lygo
   http://www.ead.eurocontrol.int/eadcms/eadsite/index.php.html
   
   
   
8. Greece, submitted by John Lygo
   http://www.avsim.com/greece/hvacc/aeronautical/ifr_charts.htm
   
   
   
9. Honolulu, submitted by John Lygo
   http://http://geocities.com/hnlartcc
   
   
   
10. France, submitted by Philippe Knockaert.
    Here is a link (real aviation) to on-line official documentation for all those looking for charts of French airports:
    
    http://www.sia.aviation-civile.gouv.fr/aip/enligne/index.htm
    
    The menu will ask you to choose between continental France (including Corsica), or French islands, and once you have selected the area, you will get a sub-menu leading to the various documents (PDF format) available - Airports, En Route Charts, SID/STARs, IFR or VFR approach charts.
    
    For some other explorations on the site, check also:
    
    http://www.sia.aviation-civile.gouv.fr
    
    Click the British flag on these websites for the English version.
    
    
    
11. This free resource will produce full IFR flight plans - Take care NOT to actually file it with the FAA!!! Plan your best flight route with their Low Altitude Enroute Charts ... submitted by Michael Smith.
    http://www.fltplan.com/open.htm
    
    

If you have other suggestions of links to add to this listing, please e-mail me at:

dc3airways@yahoo.com

with the single-word "CHARTS" on the subject line.