Chart & publication limitations
Every VFR/IFR chart or publication states what it does NOT cover.
VNC vs VTA:
| Item | VNC (1:500,000) | VTA (1:250,000) |
|---|---|---|
| Low ceiling and visibility flight | Not for use: scale too coarse | Not for use: scale too coarse |
| Obstacles | Not all guaranteed shown | Not all shown |
| Training areas | Training and parachute areas: symbol only, no boundaries | Flight training area boundaries not shown |
| Common Frequency Area boundaries | - | Print only on back of chart |
| Update interval | 1, 2, or 5 years | 1 year |
| Staleness | New info reaches NOTAM or AIP Supplement, then CFS, before chart revision | Same |
| Detail | Less than VTA: use VTA where it covers your area | - |
| USA coverage | Limited (USA, other international): never use for navigation or flight planning there | Limited: same |
Other products:
| Product | Limitation | Instead / action |
|---|---|---|
| CFS | Aerodrome sketches too small for hot spots | Hot spots: Canadian Airport Charts |
| CFS | No detailed water aerodrome data | CWAS |
| VTPC | Not suitable for precise lateral navigation | Use applicable VFR chart |
| VTPC | Often shows only highest obstacle per quadrant | - |
| VTPC | VFR checkpoints not a primary nav aid or flight-plan point | - |
| CWAS | Published once a year, in March | Always cross-check a current CFS |
| CAP | Not intended for VFR operations | - |
| LO chart series (IFR enroute, low level) | Not suitable for VFR navigation at all: no obstacle, terrain, or road data | - |
Trap: assuming a more detailed chart omits nothing. Every product, even VTA, states gaps in its limitations section, not its legend.
References
- How to Use NAV CANADA AI Products