In my attempts at realism, I will download an approach chart for a specific runway at my destination airport. In reality, doesn't a pilot need to have all possible charts depending on what runway ATC assigns for landing? Also, if the pilot changes his destination due to weather, would he not also need all the charts for alternative airports? If all these charts are necessary, then where do real pilots get them all?

Hi,You are correct in your assumptions.Each and every pilot carries a big suitecase with one or more binders containing all approach plates, SID/STARs and routemaps for the routes and airports he's flying to.The maps are of course provided by the airline company and they buy them from companies like Jeppesen or the European Aeronautical Group (SAS subsidiary)

Hi,I fly instrument flight rules on a private pilot certificate (not airline). I pay about $150 a year for my Jeppensen subscription, which gives me my home state of Colorado, plus some adjacent states. As far as I need in a C-172 :). I get updates in the mail every 10 days, plus a total revision (replacement) of all charts every 2 months roughly. I carry them all in two large volumes (together with all the NOTAMs and airway charts that also come from Jeppensen) with me at all times, even if I don't intend to use them.I hope thois helps.Bruce.

Airliners have what they call an onboard library, which consist of sids stars app.plates etc.In Canada we have the Canada Air pilot"", there is one for every province, and in each of these there are plates and procedures for every airport that have IFR procedures. I think they are about 30$ each, so you could own all of them for roughly 210$, but if you go to your local FBO they usually have expired ones that you can get for really cheap if not free. Sure there expired but they do the trick for MSFS

Thanks to all who replied, very good and helpful information.

US charts are available free here http://www.aeroplanner.com/flightplanning/approachplates.cfmJust enter the airport ID and than click on the charts you need.http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/128702.gif

I wish I could find a place for sectionals...

Here you can download sectionals:http://aviationtoolbox.org/raw_data/FAA/sectionals/current/