VOR and DME - ATP Flight School Flashcards
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What does VOR stand for?
Very High Frequency (VHF) Omnidirectional Range
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What does DME stand for?
Distance Measuring Equipment
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What is TACAN?
Tactical air navigation equipment, basically the military equivalent of a VOR/DME.
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Can civilians use TACAN?
Only the distance component, which is functionally identical to DME. (TACAN is often colocated with VORs to create VORTACs.)
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What is a radial?
A straight-line course extending outwards from a VOR.
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Describe the radio signals emitted by a VOR.
The VOR transmits signals in all directions (hence “omnidirectional”). The signal in each direction is different, so the VOR receiver can detect which radial it is on.
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How are radials referenced/named?
By the number of degrees clockwise from magnetic north. For example, a course extending due east from a VOR would be the “zero niner zero radial.”
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What radio frequencies do VORs use?
108.0 MHz to 117.95 MHz.
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What is the standard useful range for a VOR below 14,500’ MSL?
25 NM for terminal VORs, 40 NM for low- or high-altitude VORs
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Why might a particular VOR have a lower useful range on certain radials or at certain altitudes?
VOR signals are line-of-sight. You can’t pick up a VOR signal if there is terrain between the receiver and the ground station.
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What are some ways to test the accuracy of your VOR receiver?
- VOR test facilities (VOTs)
- Certified airborne checkpoints
- Certified ground checkpoints
- Dual VOR cross-check
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Are VOR checks required for VFR flight?
No (they’re only required for IFR), but they’re a good idea.
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How do you confirm that you are receiving the correct VOR?
Listen for the VOR’s 3-letter identifier being broadcast in Morse code. (The dot-dash sequence to listen for is listed on the sectional chart.)
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List three navigation instruments you might find in the cockpit that can display VOR navigation information.
- Course deviation indicator (CDI)
- Horizontal situation indicator (HSI)
- Radio magnetic indicator (RMI)
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What is an OBS?
Omnibearing selector - the control knob that the pilot turns to select a desired radial.