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Lesson 7.2 – VOR Navigation Basics
The VOR (Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range) is a ground-based navigation system that remains required knowledge for the Private Pilot written exam.
Reference:
FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK), Chapter 16 – Navigation
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Chapter 1
What a VOR Is
What a VOR Is
A VOR station transmits signals in all directions called radials.
Radials are oriented to Magnetic North.
Each radial is a magnetic course from the station.
VOR Receiver Indicators
VOR Receiver Indicators
OBS (Omni Bearing Selector) – Knob used to select a course. The number at the top is the selected course.
CDI (Course Deviation Indicator) – Vertical needle that shows whether you are on course, left of course, or right of course.
TO / FROM Indicator – Shows whether the selected course will take you to the station or away from it.
How to Orient Yourself
How to Orient Yourself
Tune the VOR frequency and identify the station by Morse code.
Rotate the OBS until the CDI needle is centered and the TO/FROM indicator shows TO.
The number at the top of the OBS is the magnetic course to the station.
The number at the bottom is the radial you are on (magnetic course from the station).
Tracking a VOR Course
Tracking a VOR Course
To fly to the station: Center the needle with a TO indication and fly that course (corrected for wind).
To fly from the station: Center the needle with a FROM indication and fly that course.
Reverse sensing occurs if the TO/FROM indication is opposite to the direction you are trying to fly.
Signal Characteristics
Signal Characteristics
VOR signals are line-of-sight. Reception range increases with altitude and can be blocked by terrain.
Always identify the station with Morse code before using it.
A flagged (OFF) indication means the signal is unreliable.
DME – Distance Measuring Equipment
DME – Distance Measuring Equipment
DME measures slant-range distance in nautical miles to a ground station (often paired with a VOR as VOR/DME or VORTAC).
Because it measures slant range, the indicated distance is slightly greater than the actual ground distance when you are high and close to the station. DME is useful for determining station passage and making distance fixes.
Key Points for the Written Exam
Key Points for the Written Exam
VOR radials are magnetic.
Know how to center the CDI with a TO indication to find the course to the station.
Understand TO/FROM indications and reverse sensing.
Always identify the station by Morse code.
VOR is line-of-sight.
DME provides slant-range distance.
Key Points to Remember
Key Points to Remember
VOR radials are magnetic courses FROM the station.
You must be able to orient yourself (center the needle with a TO indication) and track both TO and FROM a VOR.
Always identify the station.
Understand reverse sensing and how the CDI works.
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