Piloting Your Aircraft With the Help of a VOR Navigation System

With so many hazards in the air and on the ground, it’s absolutely vital for you to know exactly where you are while flying. Most pilots today are using some sort of GPS system, but you can’t depend on them alone. If they stop working for some reason, you’ll need to scramble to use one of the most reliable systems to keep yourself out of trouble.

The most common tool used for aircraft navigation is the “very high frequency omnidirectional range” system or VOR. There are 3 different types of VOR systems. The basic VOR, VOR/DME and VORTAC facilities. All three work by transmitting a radio signal out from the VOR station in every direction. These “beams” or signals are referred to as “radials” and spread out in all 360 degrees. The signal transmitting out at 270 degrees from the station is called the two-seven-zero radial. This is what you use to figure out where you are located.

The VOR signals transmit at a very high frequency and are limited to line of sight. That means, if you have a mountain between you and the VOR station, you may not get a good signal. This will sometimes require you to climb to a higher altitude to intercept the transmission. If there’s a none interference area, you’ll usually see this listed in the Airport/Facility Directory.

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 forty-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.

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.

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.

P. Adams has had a fascination with flying since he was a young boy. After taking his flight training at one of the local flight schools, he earned his private pilots license. He now helps others complete their flying lessons so they can enjoy the thrill of piloting their own aircraft.

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