How To Read Jeppesen Approach Plates !link! Jun 2026

The bottom of the plate tells you if you are legally allowed to land based on the current weather.

Marked by a lightning bolt for precision approaches.

Once mastered, Jeppesen plates are faster to brief and more consistent worldwide than most government charts. For any pilot flying internationally or in turbine aircraft, learning them is non-negotiable.

The Minimum Safe Altitude circle provides 1,000 feet of obstacle clearance within a 25nm radius of a specific fix. The Profile View: The Side-On Descent how to read jeppesen approach plates

Jeppesen uses a specific numbering system (like 11-1) found in the top right corner.

The descent gradient:

Would you like a side‑by‑side comparison of Jeppesen vs. FAA approach plates? The bottom of the plate tells you if

A small map of the runway layout, showing lighting systems (like ALSF-II or PAPI) and runway lengths.

(minus one point because the initial learning curve is steep without guidance)

The top of the chart provides the foundational data needed to ensure you are looking at the correct airport and procedure. For any pilot flying internationally or in turbine

Before diving into the details, let's familiarize ourselves with the Jeppesen approach plate format. The chart consists of several sections:

Listed in RVR (Runway Visual Range) or statute miles. Ceiling Requirements: Usually listed in parentheses.