VOR

Is it useful these days?

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.

• When you centre the cdi needle to find out what radial you're on, ALWAYS centre it with the TO indicator showing.

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 that is shown at the top of the VOR instrument.

• No matter what you need to do, always set the QDM at the top of the instrument. The QDR is therefore always at the bottom.
  

Q. What radial are we on?
A. Centre the cdi with the TO indicator showing, current radial (QDR) is on the bottom.

After a few years, the simplest rules are the ones that stick. One of the best examples 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.

• 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 made the turn in the right direction!