The airport diagram section of the instrument approach chart gives the pilot the complete overview of the airport he or she is flying to.  The information provided includes airport elevation, runway layouts, lighting, runway lengths, approach path, and approach timing. All of this information is critical if the pilot intends to break out and land at the runway, since knowing what you are looking for on the ground is key.  In this lesson we’ll explore many of the items on the diagram in depth.  A full explanation of everything you may see on an airport diagram would take hours, so I urge you to check the legend at the front of the Terminal Procedures Publication (Approach Plate book) if you find a symbol you haven’t seen before.