What do the blue shaded lines indicate on a sectional chart?

The blue shaded lines on a sectional chart represent Victor Airways. These airways are designed for navigation by aircraft, allowing pilots to travel along established routes while maintaining a safe distance from terrain and obstacles. The contours of these airways help pilots identify the routes visually and can also assist them in maintaining communication with the appropriate air traffic control facilities.

Victor Airways are specifically designed for use by aircraft flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and are part of the broader National Airspace System. They facilitate the movement of air traffic, indicating the navigational paths that pilots should follow. Understanding the layout and function of these airways is essential for effective navigation and flight planning.