Ch. 5 VOR Equipment - Instrument Flight Training

Questions and Answers

What are the classes of VOR and what is the nominal range of each?

(H), (L), and (T - Terminal Approach); (H) - usually 40 miles and 100 miles above 14,500' and 130 miles above 18,000; (L) - usually 40 miles; (T) - usually 25 miles up to 12,000'

Is equipment installed at all VOR station sites to permit airborne DME to read distance from the station?

False

When identifying a VORTAC, how can you tell whether the DME portion is usable?

The VOR frequencies are paired with the TACAN. The DME frequency is set on the VOR.

Why is it unsafe to use VOR without properly identifying it?

If you don't check the Morse Code, the VOR may be out of service, and you may be checking a distant/wrong VOR. Signup and view all the answers

Is the voice identifier sufficient, or should you also listen to the Morse code?

True Signup and view all the answers

How often must your VOR equipment be checked to be legal?

Every 30 days (FAR 91.25). Signup and view all the answers

What are the six ways to check your VOR equipment?

<ol> <li>VOT Check 2. Designated ground checkpoint 3. Designated airborne checkpoints 4. Homemade - Airborne checkpoint 5. Dual VOR check 6. Radio Shop check</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What record must be kept of VOR checks?

It must be recorded in a permanent record not necessarily the aircraft log but can be in your Log Book (D.E.P.S). Signup and view all the answers

What is a radial?

A radial is the radio wave on one of the 360-degree directions on a VOR station coming 'from' the station. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the OBS and the CDI.

OBS - Omni Bearing Selector, allows selecting 'To' or 'From'. CDI - Course Deviation Indicator, shows which side of the selected course the airplane is on. Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'Cone of Confusion' differ from the zone of ambiguity?

Cone of Confusion - the area above a VOR where radials are closely spaced; Zone of Ambiguity - region near the TO and FROM flags showing OFF/NAV. Signup and view all the answers

What is the HSI?

Horizontal Situation Indicator, replaces the HI and combines the CDI, HI, and adds a Glide Slope. Signup and view all the answers

How do you positively locate your position relative to a VOR?

Center the CDI with a FROM indication; this indicates your position in relation to the VOR. Signup and view all the answers

What are the steps to 'direct' to a VOR?

<ol> <li>Center the Needle with TO indication 2. Turn to the heading selected by the OBS 3. Re-center the Needle 4. Track the indicated course to the station.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What are the steps to intercept a specified radial and track it inbound from an unknown position?

<ol> <li>Visualize your position in relation to the desired course 2. Turn to one of the cardinal points for a 90-degree intercept 3. Select the reciprocal (TO) to the desired radial (FROM) 4. Track inbound as the CDI comes off the peg.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

If your OBS is set to 060 degrees and your aircraft is on the 330-degree radial, what would the flag indicate?

OFF, you are in the Zone of Ambiguity. Signup and view all the answers

The TO/FROM indication is 'TO', you are 40 miles from the station, and the needle is full right. How would the indication change when the aircraft makes a 180-degree turn?

The indications would not change. The VOR knows only your position - nothing about your heading. Signup and view all the answers

What are the Five 'T's?

Turn, Time, Twist, Throttle, Talk Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Left Shift Key?

Use when typing with 'Right Hand' letters. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

VOR Classes and Ranges

VOR stations have three classes: High (H), Low (L), and Terminal (T).
High VOR (H) has a nominal range of 40 miles, extending to 100 miles above 14,500 feet and 130 miles above 18,000 feet.
Low VOR (L) generally covers a range of 40 miles.
Terminal VOR (T) typically has a range of 25 miles, up to 12,000 feet.

VOR Equipment and DME Readings

Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) is installed only at VORTAC and VOR-DME stations.
VOR-DME stations are identifiable by an arrow and a "D" marking indicating DME capability.

VORTAC Identification

To determine the usability of DME at VORTAC, ensure the VOR frequency is paired with the TACAN frequency, and set the DME frequency on the VOR unit.

Importance of VOR Identification

Failing to verify a VOR using Morse code may lead to using an out-of-service station or a distant VOR, compromising flight safety.

Voice Identifier Use

Listening to a voice identifier can confirm VOR identification, but Morse code verification is also recommended for accuracy.

VOR Equipment Check Frequency

VOR equipment must be checked every 30 days as per FAR 91.25, using one of six specified methods.
Checks must be properly logged in a permanent record.

Methods to Check VOR Equipment

VOT Check
Designated ground checkpoint
Designated airborne checkpoint
Homemade airborne checkpoint
Dual VOR check
Radio shop check

Record Keeping for VOR Checks

Details from VOR checks must be documented in a permanent record, such as a logbook, including date, error, place, and signature (acronym "D.E.P.S").

Understanding Radials

A radial is a radio wave emanating from a VOR station in one of the 360-degree directions.

OBS and CDI Functions

The Omni Bearing Selector (OBS) enables the selection of either "To" or "From" navigation.
The Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) shows the aircraft's position relative to the selected course, including deviation angles.

Cone of Confusion vs. Zone of Ambiguity

Cone of Confusion is a region above the VOR where radials overlap, causing identification issues.
Zone of Ambiguity is where "TO" and "FROM" flags may read "OFF/NAV," leading to uncertainty in course tracking.

Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI)

The HSI replaces the Horizontal Indicator (HI) and is typically installed below the Artificial Horizon (AI), combining CDI functionality with a glide slope indicator.

Positioning Relative to VOR

Centering the CDI while in the "FROM" position indicates your location in relation to the VOR.

Steps for Directing to a VOR

Center the needle with "TO" indication, turn to the observed heading, re-center the needle, and track the indicated course toward the station.

Intercepting and Tracking a Radial

Visualize your position, turn towards an angle providing a 90-degree intercept, select the reciprocal heading, and track inbound as the CDI indicates movement.

Zone of Ambiguity Explained

If the OBS is set to 060 degrees and the aircraft is on the 330-degree radial, the indication will be "OFF," signaling entry into the Zone of Ambiguity.

Indications During Turn

If the TO/FROM indicator shows "TO" while 40 miles from the station and the needle is fully right, a 180-degree turn will not change these indications, as the VOR only recognizes position, not heading.

The Five "T's" for Flight

Critical for flight management: Turn, Time, Twist, Throttle, Talk.

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Test your knowledge on the classes of VOR and their nominal ranges with these flashcards. Gain a solid understanding of the VOR equipment crucial for instrument flight training as outlined in Dogan's manual.