FAA ends direct-to-consumer paper chart sales

AOPA is reminding pilots who purchase paper navigation charts direct from the FAA that they will have to find a new authorized supplier by Oct. 1.

The FAA announced the end of direct-to-consumer paper chart sales in August, after discontinuing chart subscription services in July.

Digital chart products are not affected by the operating changes initiated under cost-cutting at the FAA’s Aeronautical Navigation Products Division.

AOPA urged the FAA to preserve the continued widespread availability of paper navigation charts in light of strong demand.  The FAA agreed that many pilots still want paper navigation charts, and the agency said it has no intention to discontinue their production.