Chapter 11: Airport Operations  decision to make the flight. Although NOTAMs contain information such as taxiway and runway  closures, construction, communications, changes in status of navigational aids, and other  information essential to planned en route, terminal, or landing operations, a remote pilot can use  this information to help them make an informed decision about where and when to operate their  small UA. Exercise good judgment and common sense by carefully regarding the information readily  available in NOTAMs. Prior to any flight, pilots should check for any NOTAMs that could affect their intended flight. For  more information on NOTAMs, refer back to  Chapter 2, “Airspace Classification, Operating  Requirements, and Flight Restrictions,” of this study guide. The Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS) is a recording of the local weather conditions  and other pertinent non-control information broadcast on a local frequency in a looped format. It is  normally updated once per hour but is updated more often when changing local conditions warrant.  Important information is broadcast on ATIS including weather, runways in use, specific ATC  procedures, and any airport construction activity that could affect taxi planning. When the ATIS is recorded, it is given a code. This code is changed with every ATIS update. For  example, ATIS Alpha is replaced by ATIS Bravo. The next hour, ATIS Charlie is recorded, followed by  ATIS Delta and progresses down the alphabet.  An aeronautical chart is the road map for a pilot. The chart provides information that allows remote  pilots to obtain information about the areas where they intend to operate. The two aeronautical  charts used by VFR pilots are: A free catalog listing aeronautical charts and related publications including prices and instructions  for ordering is available at the Aeronautical Navigation Products website: www.aeronav.faa.gov. Sectional charts are the most common charts used by pilots today. The charts have a scale of  1:500,000 (1 inch = 6.86 nautical miles (NM) or approximately 8 statute miles (SM)), which allows  for more detailed information to be included on the chart.  The charts provide an abundance of information, including airport data, navigational aids, airspace,  and topography.  Figure 11-2  is an excerpt from the legend of a sectional chart. By referring to the  chart legend, a pilot can interpret most of the information on the chart. A pilot should also check  the chart for other legend information, which includes air traffic control (ATC) frequencies and  information on airspace. These charts are revised semiannually except for some areas outside the  conterminous United States where they are revised annually.  Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide  67 Sectional Charts Aeronautical Charts Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS) • Sectional • VFR Terminal Area