Instrument Approach Charts are identified at the top by the name of the airport, the primary navigational aid (ILS, LOC, VOR, RNAV, etc.), and the runway served. A letter is attached as a suffix (e.g., VOR-A) and the runway number is eliminated when the approach does not meet straight-in criteria and only circling minimums are available. Circling minimums are typically applied when the approach course is offset more than 30 degrees from the runway or the descent gradient from the FAF to the touchdown zone is too steep. 

A letter suffix is also added when there are two or more straight-in approaches with the same type of guidance for the same runway. These charts start with the letter Z—to designate the approach with the lowest minimums—and continue in reverse alphabetical order (e.g., RNAV (RNP) Z Runway 20R and RNAV (GPS) Y Runway 20R).

A black triangle with a white "A" appearing in the Notes section of an approach chart indicates that nonstandard IFR alternate minimums exist for the airport. If an "NA" appears after the “A,” alternate minimums are not authorized. This information is found in the beginning of the Terminal Procedures Publication (TPP). Approved terminal weather observation and reporting facilities, or a general area weather report, must be available before an airport may serve as an alternate.

The term "Radar Required" is displayed on some charts when the primary NAVAID is unavailable on certain segments of the procedure. The pilot can expect to be provided with radar navigational guidance while transiting these areas.