Difference between revisions of "VOR"
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When I was doing my ATPL theory course, this was one of the hardest instruments to get my head around. I could not understand the use of it. It seemed over-complex, yet too simple at the same time.<br /> | When I was doing my ATPL theory course, this was one of the hardest instruments to get my head around. I could not understand the use of it. It seemed over-complex, yet too simple at the same time.<br /> | ||
After thinking about it for a few hours, I would get it, then after a day or two, I'd lost it again! Very frustrating. So I had to find a few simple rules that would always work, in all circumstances.<br /> | After thinking about it for a few hours, I would get it, then after a day or two, I'd lost it again! Very frustrating. So I had to find a few simple rules that would always work, in all circumstances.<br /> | ||
Revision as of 18:35, 16 May 2016
VHF Omni Range
When I was doing my ATPL theory course, this was one of the hardest instruments to get my head around. I could not understand the use of it. It seemed over-complex, yet too simple at the same time.
After thinking about it for a few hours, I would get it, then after a day or two, I'd lost it again! Very frustrating. So I had to find a few simple rules that would always work, in all circumstances.
I was always getting confused about how to use the VOR instrument to navigate to a VOR beacon. Centre the needle, then what...? What heading do I fly?
My eureka moment came when I made up this sentence..
With the needle centred and the TO indicator showing, turn to the heading shown at the top of the VOR instrument.
This may seem obvious to the seasoned pilot but for a beginner it's gold! This shows the (not so obvious) link between the VOR and the Direction Indicator.
Q. What radial are we on?
A. Centre the cdi with the TO indicator showing, current radial (QDR) is on the bottom.
One of the tricky things is knowing which way to make the initial turn to intercept a radial inbound to or outbound from a VOR. This little gem comes from a military pilot.
After a few years, the simplest rules are the ones that stick. And this is the one that has stuck.
- Push the head, pull the tail.
It's almost too simple! But it works. You can apply all the school rules about 30 degrees this, 45 degrees that etc. after you've decided which way to turn!
