Kansas City (T-6) Sectional Aeronautical Chart, a air navigation chart, was compiled and printed in Washington, D.C. by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey in 1952. This chart, rooted in the collaborative efforts of multiple governmental agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Air Force, represents the 30th edition, with its foundational base derived from the edition of July 1951. The blue tint on the chart signifies areas controlled for air traffic, underscoring the chart's dual utility for navigational and aviation purposes.
In the post-war America of the 1950s, the rapid development of aviation technology and infrastructure was a testament to the country's burgeoning global dominance in this field. This era witnessed an enhanced emphasis on aerial navigation, bolstered by wartime experiences and the need to support an ever-growing commercial aviation industry. It was against this backdrop that the Kansas City (T-6) was conceived, capturing the contemporary aviation landscape.
The distinction as a "U.S. Air Force Edition" further emphasizes the chart's significance during this era, pointing to the Air Force's pivotal role in both national defense and the larger aviation ecosystem. This edition, slated for updates as evidenced by the mention of a "next scheduled edition" in November 1952, is emblematic of a period marked by continuous advancements and the inexorable march of progress.