Flying an airplane is relatively 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.
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.
There are actually three different types of VOR stations depending on your location and where you're flying. The first one is the Terminal VOR or TVOR and should only be used when you're within 25 nautical miles of the transmitting station and below 1000' above ground level (AGL). The low altitude VOR is designed to be used accurately within 40 nautical miles and between 1000' and 18,000' AGL. The last is the HVOR or high altitude VOR. It's accurate at various altitudes and, depending on topography, up to 130 nautical miles.
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.
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.
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.
There are actually three different types of VOR stations depending on your location and where you're flying. The first one is the Terminal VOR or TVOR and should only be used when you're within 25 nautical miles of the transmitting station and below 1000' above ground level (AGL). The low altitude VOR is designed to be used accurately within 40 nautical miles and between 1000' and 18,000' AGL. The last is the HVOR or high altitude VOR. It's accurate at various altitudes and, depending on topography, up to 130 nautical miles.
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.
About the Author:
Patch Adams is a licensed private pilot who teaches others how to find flight schools that meet their needs as well as helping people who want to learn to fly a plane get all the training they need to reach their goals.
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