FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Navigation and Flight PlanningEasy

A pilot is navigating using a VOR receiver. The VOR indicator shows a 'FROM' indication with the Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) centered when 270 is selected in the Omni-Bearing Selector (OBS). Which radial is the aircraft currently on?

  1. A360 radial
  2. B180 radial
  3. C270 radial
  4. D090 radial
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. 270 radial

When the CDI is centered with a 'FROM' indication, the OBS setting indicates the radial the aircraft is currently on. Therefore, if 270 is selected and it shows 'FROM' with a centered CDI, the aircraft is on the 270 radial.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Incorrect. This radial is 90 degrees off from the selected course.
  • B. Incorrect. This radial is 90 degrees off from the selected course.
  • D. This would be the case if the OBS was set to 090 and a 'TO' indication was displayed, or if the OBS was set to 270 and the CDI was centered with a 'TO' indication.

VOR 'FROM' Indication

A 'FROM' indication on a VOR receiver means the aircraft is flying away from the VOR station on the selected radial, or is currently located on that radial.

  • Indicates flying away from the VOR.
  • When CDI is centered, OBS shows the radial you are on.
  • Opposite of a 'TO' indication.

Memory trick: FROM means you're flying FROM the radial you've set.

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