Ep. 70: VOR Basics | What they are and how they work
Introduction to VOR Navigation
In this section, John introduces the VOR navigation system and explains its relevance in modern aviation.
Basic 6-Pack Instruments
- Most training aircraft have basic 6-pack instruments and a VOR.
- The VOR is an old-school way of navigating that is still relevant today.
- Each ground-based VOR station is independent with its own power source and transmitter.
Understanding the VOR Instrument
- The ring around the instrument is connected to the OBS knob (Omni Bearing Selector).
- Spinning the ring moves the CDI (Course Deviation Indicator) needle left or right.
- The horizontal needle is a glideslope needle that's not relevant for private pilots.
- The "to/from" flag indicates whether you're flying towards or away from the station.
Using Radials to Navigate
- A compass rose on the instrument matches one on a sectional chart, with 360 radials coming off it.
- To find out what radial you're on, rotate the OBS knob until you get your "from" flag and centering needle.
- Any time this flag says "from" and the needle becomes centered, that's your radial.
Conclusion
The VOR navigation system is an important tool for pilots to navigate in case GPS fails. It uses ground-based stations with independent power sources and transmitters. Pilots can use radials to determine their location relative to a station by rotating the OBS knob until they get their "from" flag and centering needle.
VOR Navigation Basics
In this section, the instructor explains the basic components of VOR navigation and how to use them in flight.
Using the Radials
- The number on the VOR shows what radial we are on from the station.
- Twist the knob until the needle is centered to find out what radial you are on.
- The radial tells us where we are from the station.
Understanding Indications
- The direction needle is affected by both OBS knob and aircraft flying along.
- To-and-from flag tells if aircraft is to/from station on a certain radio.
- Needle centered means where you are from the station.
Conclusion
- Remember these basic components for FAA written test preparation.
- Check out other videos for more information on using VOR navigation in-flight and for FAA written test preparation.