Piloting Your Aircraft With The Help Of A VOR Navigation System.
Flying an airplane is reletively 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.
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.
One of the drawbacks of the VOR system is the limitations based on line of sight. VOR signals can be blocked by large obstructions such as mountains or other terrain. The A/FD (Airport/Facility Director) will list any known obstructions each VOR station may have. It's important to check for that when you're planning on using a VOR. You may find you're a mile left or right of a perfect signal. If you can't pick up on the VOR signal, the next step is to gain some altitude. This will almost always clear things up.
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.
VOR stations are only half of the system used to navigate using this approach. The other have is in your aircraft and consists of a radio receiver with an antenna and some sort of VOR indicator to put these transmission in a format you can use. The VOR indicator is a round dial with a white needle that lines up vertically when you've put in the correct radial. Your instructor will teach more about how this works.
Most people find the best system for them is GPS. But, don't become too dependent 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.
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.
One of the drawbacks of the VOR system is the limitations based on line of sight. VOR signals can be blocked by large obstructions such as mountains or other terrain. The A/FD (Airport/Facility Director) will list any known obstructions each VOR station may have. It's important to check for that when you're planning on using a VOR. You may find you're a mile left or right of a perfect signal. If you can't pick up on the VOR signal, the next step is to gain some altitude. This will almost always clear things up.
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.
VOR stations are only half of the system used to navigate using this approach. The other have is in your aircraft and consists of a radio receiver with an antenna and some sort of VOR indicator to put these transmission in a format you can use. The VOR indicator is a round dial with a white needle that lines up vertically when you've put in the correct radial. Your instructor will teach more about how this works.
Most people find the best system for them is GPS. But, don't become too dependent 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.
