FAQ: What Is A Vor Aviation?

How does a VOR work?

A VOR ground station uses a phased antenna array to send a highly directional signal that rotates clockwise horizontally (as seen from above) 30 times a second. It also sends a 30 Hz reference signal on a subcarrier timed to be in phase with the directional antenna as the latter passes magnetic north.

Do pilots still use VOR?

As of 2018, pilots still use VORs as a primary navigational aid, but as more and more aircraft are equipped with GPS receivers, VORs most likely will be retired from use.

What is VOR approach?

A VOR Approach is a non-precision approach providing lateral guidance only. The Final Approach Course (as published on the relevant approach chart) utilizes a radial from the VOR to provide this lateral guidance.

How do pilots use VOR?

The VOR indicator can give the pilot many types of information about his or her position relative to the station. For example, by using two different VOR frequencies, a lost pilot can find out exactly where he is. If you have two VOR indicators, tune each one to a different VOR frequency.

How do you identify a VOR?

The only positive method of identifying a VOR is by its Morse Code identification or by the recorded automatic voice identification which is always indicated by use of the word “ VOR ” following the range’s name.

What does VOR stand for?

VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range ( VOR ) is defined as VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range, an aircraft navigation system operating in the VHF band.

Are VOR being phased out?

Under the plan, 74 VORs are set for decommissioning through Phase 1, which is ongoing through 2020. Under Phase 2, which is to take place between 2021 and 2025, 234 more VORs will be decommissioned.

Is VOR required?

Although a VOR can be used to satisfy the navigation equipment requirements, a VOR is not specifically required. GPS is a suitable radio receiver which can be used for both IFR and VFR operations instead of or in addition to VOR. In some areas of the world, an NBD/ADF receiver would suffice.

Is VOR obsolete?

The VOR will eventually fade away and become obsolete because it’s expensive for the government to maintain and GPS based NextGen systems offer so much accuracy and flexibility. But just as ADF has survived for 80 years, so also will VOR persist for quite a long time more.

What is the difference between an ILS approach and a VOR approach?

The ILS has a glide slope providing vertical guidance. A VOR approach does not have any vertical guidance (although with a VOR /DME one can at least determine the exact point at which to start a CDFA (continuous descent final approach ) and regularly crosscheck the altitude with the DME).

How do you tell if a VOR is high or low?

As far as high / low VOR, one way to tell is to look at the High / Low enroute IFR charts. You can see two VOR stations on here labeled Minot Intl and Devils Lake Rgnl with a victor airway between them (V430).

What is a VOR beacon?

In radio navigation, a VOR /DME is a radio beacon that combines a VHF omnidirectional range ( VOR ) with a distance measuring equipment (DME). The VOR allows the receiver to measure its bearing to or from the beacon, while the DME provides the slant distance between the receiver and the station.

What is the difference between VOR and Vortac?

TACAN stands for TACtical Air Navigation, a military system that is similar to VOR but with higher accuracy. A VORTAC combines the VOR and TACAN in one location. Civil users will use the VOR signals which have the same performance as ordinary VOR signals. In addition they use the DME from the TACAN.