FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)Navigation SystemsEasy

A pilot is flying inbound on the 180° radial of a VOR station with a TO indication. To track the radial, the pilot should maintain a magnetic heading of:

  1. A090°
  2. B180°
  3. C000°
  4. D360°
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. 180°

If a pilot is flying inbound on the 180° radial with a TO indication, it means the aircraft is headed towards the VOR station on that radial. To track the 180° radial inbound, the pilot should maintain a magnetic heading of 180°.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. A heading of 090° would be flying across the VOR radials.
  • C. A heading of 000° would be flying outbound on the 180° radial.
  • D. A heading of 360° (or 000°) would be flying outbound on the 180° radial relative to the VOR station.

VOR Inbound Tracking

To track inbound on a VOR radial, set the desired radial in the OBS and fly the heading indicated by the 'TO' flag, keeping the CDI centered.

  • OBS setting matches the radial you want to fly TO.
  • CDI centered, 'TO' flag displayed.
  • Aircraft heading should match the OBS setting.

Memory trick: TO means you fly the number.

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