Simviation Forums

Can anybody please explain to me in plain English how to use the VOR cockpit dials.

Many thanks

J

VORs are navigation beacons that you can use as reference points to fly to or from. To use a VOR as a tracking device, you must first tune in the frequency of the VOR into your NAV1 radio.

Then, move the course selector around until the needle in the middle is lined up with the outer parts, like an ILS needle. For example, if it is lined up with the outer parts at 185 degrees, then you need to fly at 185 to proceed directly to the VOR. However, watch out for the TO/FROM indicator! If it points ahead of you, then you are heading TO the VOR. If it points behind you, you're heading FROM the VOR.

However, navigation doesn't always work like that! Sometimes you'll want to track a VOR on a certain radial. For example, I might want to leave EGAC and track the BEL VOR on the 270 radial. I'll take off from EGAC, tune my BEL VOR into NAV1, and then set 270 on the course heading. And I'll fly north until the needles line up, and then I know I'm on the 270 radial. It's at that point that I'll turn to 270 and follow the VOR, keeping the needles lined up and watching the DME to tell me how far I am from the VOR.

VOR-to-VOR navigation is really fun when you can get the hang of it, it's worth practicing!

Zxottovision has done an excellent job of explaning a VOR. The only thing he left out was not all VOR'S have a DME and once you get within 5 nm or so the needle will start to move as you cross the vor the needle will go completely flat or horizonatal then it will swing to show you going away from it.
I would suggest that you take the lessons on navigation
If you really want to experience IFR flying vor to vor flying is something you need to master

When you are over a VOR, the to/from indicator will show a 'barber pole' as well as the needle turning through 90 degrees.

there is some good in formation in a magazine called Computer Pilot they have a web site www. computerpilot.com I'm using an artical now on how to set up and fly using VOR its from some time ago but you can get reprints, this month they have a good artical on using GPS they take you through it then you do an exersize its good but a bit expensive it sells in OZ for $10AUS.  :)