Detailed aeronautical map of Southern California, extending from Lake Mead to just below the Mexican border and 122 degrees West.
The chart is a font of information about civil and military aviation in postwar Southern California. It was intended for civil aviators flying by visual navigation and so includes data that would be useful for this purpose. Topographical information consists of relief and a judicious selection of visual checkpoints used for navigation under visual flight rules. The checkpoints include populated places, roads, and distinct landmarks. The aeronautical information includes visual and radio aids to navigation, airports (aerodromes, both for landplanes and seaplanes), controlled airspace, restricted areas, and obstructions. World Aeronautical Charts were updated somewhat frequently at this time and are now produced by the FAA.
The military information is probably the most interesting aspect of the chart, as it shows the state of postwar Southern California as it adopted an even greater role in national defense. Numerous airbases are noted. The region is positively blanketed with restricted flight zones. Much of the airspace off the coast is labelled restricted and accompanied by the warning:
WARNING Extensive fleet and air operations being conducted in offshore area 200 miles seaward from California coastline.
On the Lambert Conformal Conic Projection.
A fascinating chart for those interested in civil and military aviation and the recent history of Southern California.