Free Pilot Training: Understanding VORs

Introduction

• Purpose: To help pilots understand VORs (VHF Omnidirectional Range) by breaking down basics and clearing up common misunderstandings.
• Challenge: VORs are initially confusing, often due to inadequate teaching methods using complex drawings.

Key Concepts

Understanding VOR

• VOR: Stands for VHF Omnidirectional Range, operates on radio waves.
• VHF: Very High Frequency radio waves, picked up by aircraft's navaid radios.
• Radials: 360 magnetic courses broadcasted from the station, corresponding to compass degrees.

Heading vs. Bearing

• Bearing: Position relative to another point (e.g., position relative to VOR station).
• Heading: Direction in which the aircraft's nose is pointed.
• Key Point: VORs give bearings to and from the station, not headings.

Using VOR

1. Tune Frequency: First step is tuning the correct frequency on navaid radios.
   • Example: Bartlesville VOR frequency 117.9.
2. Verify Frequency: Use three-letter identifiers or Morse code signals to confirm tuning.
3. Understanding Radials: Radials only broadcast from the station.
   • To fly to the station, go through to a radial on the other side (reciprocal).
   • "Go to the station, go through the station."

Instruments

Course Deviation Indicator (CDI)

• OBS Knob: Used to select a specific course.
• To/From Indicator: Indicates if course will take you to or from the station.
• Neutral Flag: Indicates being 90 degrees off selected radial.

Practical Use

• Reverse Sensing: Occurs when flying opposite the radial direction.
• Sensing Radials: Aircraft can sense radials even when positioned on the opposite side.
• Triangulation: Use two VORs to find exact position by intersecting radials (triangulate position).

Common Scenarios

Written Test Tips

• Practice identifying bearings and radials using CDI indications.
• Understand reciprocal radials for accurate course setting.

In-Flight Usage

• Example Navigation: Use CDI to maintain course, adjust for wind, and verify position using VOR signals.

VOT (VHF Omni Test)

• Purpose: Verify that VOR equipment works correctly.
• Radials in VOT: Always emit 360 radial, irrespective of position.

Conclusion

• Next Steps: Practice with additional resources and training videos.
• Reminder: Real-world practice is essential alongside theoretical learning.