As a pilot, it's your duty to know exactly where you are at any given time. Without knowing where you're located, you may soon find yourself flying into a Class B airspace without receiving clearance first. Every part of the country also contains military operations areas as well as restricted flight areas. Flying into these areas won't just cost you a reprimand, they may cost you your license and the safety of yourself and the others using the area. If you ever are lost, the most important thing you can do is CONFESS the situation to someone who can help you. Air traffic controllers are usually able to locate you and help get you out of or stay clear of any areas you need to avoid.
Every student pilot is required to learn how to use one of the most basic tools of navigation, the VOR system. I've never been in an aircraft that didn't have a VOR and I've used them almost every time, even it was just for fun in conjunction with the GPS. VOR's utilize something called "radials" to tell you were you are. Radials are send out as radio signals from the VOR in every possible direction. Regardless of what direction you're flying in from, you can pick up on a VOR radial.
It's very important to remember that VOR transmission can be clocked by mountains and lose their accuracy. If you have a direct line between your aircraft and the VOR station, you should be fine. If you're looking at your sectional and can't figure out why you can't pick up the VOR signal, try gaining a little altitude. Your Airport and Facilities Directory will keep you updated on any known obstructions, so check that as well if you're having trouble.
Some VOR stations are very accurate at close in locations. These are called Terminal VORs and work best within twenty five nautical miles and less than 1000 feet above ground level. Beyond that, you'll find a Low Altitude VOR which works within fourty five nautical miles and at altitudes between 1000' and 18,000'. The most versatile is the HVOR or "high altitude" VOR. These also work at all sorts of altitude levels.
That's what's happening on the ground, now, what happens in the air? Obviously, being a radio transmission, you're going to need an antenna and receiver to intercept the signal. That signal is then sent to a VOR indicator which will show you what radial you're on or what radial you need to be on to go to or from the VOR station. Every VOR also sends out a Morse code signal to identify it. Always verify you're using the right VOR station.
You may be wondering why you need these systems when you have a fancy new GPS system on board. Well, it's always important to rely on more than one system when you're flying. If you have a GPS, back it up with the VOR. GPS systems are not flawless, nor are VOR's. Always have a back up plane. I would even suggest taking your GPS and turning it off once in a while to make sure you can navigate without it. - 15437
Every student pilot is required to learn how to use one of the most basic tools of navigation, the VOR system. I've never been in an aircraft that didn't have a VOR and I've used them almost every time, even it was just for fun in conjunction with the GPS. VOR's utilize something called "radials" to tell you were you are. Radials are send out as radio signals from the VOR in every possible direction. Regardless of what direction you're flying in from, you can pick up on a VOR radial.
It's very important to remember that VOR transmission can be clocked by mountains and lose their accuracy. If you have a direct line between your aircraft and the VOR station, you should be fine. If you're looking at your sectional and can't figure out why you can't pick up the VOR signal, try gaining a little altitude. Your Airport and Facilities Directory will keep you updated on any known obstructions, so check that as well if you're having trouble.
Some VOR stations are very accurate at close in locations. These are called Terminal VORs and work best within twenty five nautical miles and less than 1000 feet above ground level. Beyond that, you'll find a Low Altitude VOR which works within fourty five nautical miles and at altitudes between 1000' and 18,000'. The most versatile is the HVOR or "high altitude" VOR. These also work at all sorts of altitude levels.
That's what's happening on the ground, now, what happens in the air? Obviously, being a radio transmission, you're going to need an antenna and receiver to intercept the signal. That signal is then sent to a VOR indicator which will show you what radial you're on or what radial you need to be on to go to or from the VOR station. Every VOR also sends out a Morse code signal to identify it. Always verify you're using the right VOR station.
You may be wondering why you need these systems when you have a fancy new GPS system on board. Well, it's always important to rely on more than one system when you're flying. If you have a GPS, back it up with the VOR. GPS systems are not flawless, nor are VOR's. Always have a back up plane. I would even suggest taking your GPS and turning it off once in a while to make sure you can navigate without it. - 15437
About the Author:
Patch Adams earned his pilots licensed just after his 40th birthday and not focuses much of his time helping others find aviations schools so they follow their dreams of being a pilot. Whether you want to fly for the pure enjoyment of it or continute on to ATP flight school so you can work the airlines, he's eagetr to help you.
