Runways greater than how many feet are not depicted with a circle on sectional charts?

Sectional charts are designed to provide pilots with a wealth of information about the terrain, airspace, and navigation facilities, including runway data. The depiction of runways on sectional charts changes based on their length, specifically for those that are longer than a certain threshold.

For runways that exceed 8,069 feet in length, they are not represented with a circle. This is because the circle symbol is reserved for runways that are shorter or to indicate those that may be of interest for general aviation. Runways longer than this length are generally able to accommodate larger aircraft, and they do not require the same visual emphasis on sectional charts, which are aimed primarily at smaller, general aviation traffic.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for pilots as it helps them quickly assess runway lengths and suitability for their aircraft, ensuring safe and efficient operation. This specific measurement, 8,069 feet, thus serves as a guideline for pilots regarding runway depiction and safety assessments on sectional charts.