Flying an airplane is relatively simple, keep it flying straight and level and you're fine. Landing an airplane is a bit more complicated and requires a few more hours of training. Another item that's going to take a lot of hours of work to master is navigation. GPS has simplified this to some degree, but it's still a fine art you'll want to know as a pilot. If you can't navigate properly, you may find yourself flying into an area you're not supposed to fly into.
Combining your sectional with a VOR will keep you out of trouble and on course through most situations. VOR stands "very high frequency omnidirectional range" system and comes in three different varieties. There is the VOR, the VOR/DME and then a VORTAC. Each of these is different, but work on the same technology. Radio signals transmitted out from the VOR in 360 degrees. These are also called "radials" and help to identify your location in relationship to the VOR station. We'll explain more about that in a minute.
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.
The type of VOR you're accessing depends one your distance from the station and your altitude. The most common VOR is called a high altitude system or HVOR. This VOR will give you a strong accurate signal at various altitudes and up to 130 nm away. There are also LVOR which work best within 40 nm and between one thousand and eighteen thousand feet. Lastly, you'll sometimes come across something called a TVOR or Terminal VOR. These are accurate at LESS THAN 1000' AGL and within 25 nm of the station.
Now that you know how the signal is transmitted, how is it received in your aircraft? In order to use this information your plane is going to need an antenna, a receiver and the VOR indicator on your control panel. The same radio you use to talk to the air traffic controllers will pick up a signal from the VOR station. If you switch over to this signal, you'll hear a Morse code being transmitted which should match the identifier listed on your sectional. It's very important for you to verify the identity of the VOR station before you start using it for navigation.
Most people find the best system for them is GPS. But, don't become too dependant on it. It's not a bad idea to always use your VOR's as a back up, so you can stay fresh on their operation. If you really want to stay sharp, consider the GPS "INOP" and fly with the VOR only. You never know when you're going to have something go wrong on the GPS and you'll NEED that old trusty VOR to get you to the nearest airport safely. - 15437
Combining your sectional with a VOR will keep you out of trouble and on course through most situations. VOR stands "very high frequency omnidirectional range" system and comes in three different varieties. There is the VOR, the VOR/DME and then a VORTAC. Each of these is different, but work on the same technology. Radio signals transmitted out from the VOR in 360 degrees. These are also called "radials" and help to identify your location in relationship to the VOR station. We'll explain more about that in a minute.
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.
The type of VOR you're accessing depends one your distance from the station and your altitude. The most common VOR is called a high altitude system or HVOR. This VOR will give you a strong accurate signal at various altitudes and up to 130 nm away. There are also LVOR which work best within 40 nm and between one thousand and eighteen thousand feet. Lastly, you'll sometimes come across something called a TVOR or Terminal VOR. These are accurate at LESS THAN 1000' AGL and within 25 nm of the station.
Now that you know how the signal is transmitted, how is it received in your aircraft? In order to use this information your plane is going to need an antenna, a receiver and the VOR indicator on your control panel. The same radio you use to talk to the air traffic controllers will pick up a signal from the VOR station. If you switch over to this signal, you'll hear a Morse code being transmitted which should match the identifier listed on your sectional. It's very important for you to verify the identity of the VOR station before you start using it for navigation.
Most people find the best system for them is GPS. But, don't become too dependant on it. It's not a bad idea to always use your VOR's as a back up, so you can stay fresh on their operation. If you really want to stay sharp, consider the GPS "INOP" and fly with the VOR only. You never know when you're going to have something go wrong on the GPS and you'll NEED that old trusty VOR to get you to the nearest airport safely. - 15437
About the Author:
Patch Adams is a licensed private pilot who teaches others how to find flight schools that meet their needs as well as helping people who want to learn to fly a plane get all the training they need to reach their goals.
