terminal procedure publications (11. 327)

Via Kottke, we are directed to the detail-dense and exacting business of charting America’s airspace with this appreciation of the comprehensive and regularly updated tranche of publications from the US Federal Aviation Agency. Multiple editions specialising in airport arrivals and departures, as well as maps designed for use under instrumental and visual flight rules—the latter comprising the most impenetrable and engrossing examples of cartographical excellence. Intended for conditions and altitudes when the pilot can guide themselves by monitoring the landscape below, they are filled with markers and features that can be used as landmarks for orientation, most crew use apps, of course informed from the FAA charts, on a refresh-cycle of fifty-six days. Particularly interesting are the waypoints, invisible zones that planes transit into and out of managed by air-traffic controllers corresponding to latitude and longitude but to nothing earth-bound and are assigned five-letter mnemonic call-signs (fixes), and reference local culture or fandom, like MATAG near Newton, Iowa where the appliance manufacturer was founded or SATAN near Portland, Maine in honour of author Stephen King. Much more at the links above.