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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
About the Author:
Patch Adams has had a fascination with flying since he was a young boy. After taking his flight training at one of the local aircraft 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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