April 24, 2023

Learning how to navigate using VOR directional radio beacons can be challenging for a student pilot. I found this series of four short videos, flown on a sim, a good way to get a basic handle on it. Part I introduces how to tune in and head towards a VOR.

Part II shows how to intercept and follow a specific radial to a VOR.

Part III shows how to follow a specific radial away from a VOR.

Finally, Part IV shows how to determine your location based on the readings from two different VORs.

One typical question on the FAA written exam asks you to determine your approximate location on the chart, relative to the VOR, based on the CDI reading. At first I found this very tricky, but the following tutorial offers a simple way of figuring it out, which I also shared in my book: