A pilot is using a VOR receiver to navigate. The aircraft's position is indicated by a 'TO' flag with an OBS setting of 270 degrees. From this information, the aircraft is currently located:
- ASouth of the 270-degree radial.
- BWest of the 270-degree radial.
- CNorth of the 090-degree radial.
- DEast of the 090-degree radial.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. South of the 270-degree radial.
A 'TO' indication means the selected course will take you to the station. If the OBS is set to 270 degrees 'TO', it means you are currently on the 090-degree radial (which is 180 degrees opposite of the 270-degree course TO the station) and flying toward the station on that course. South of the 270-degree radial is incorrect; the 270-degree course is to the west, so being 'TO' 270 means you are east of the station, on the 090 radial. If you set 270 TO, it means you are flying west to the station. The radial you are on is the 090 radial. So you are South of the 270 radial, or East of the station.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Incorrect. West of the 270-degree radial would mean you are north of the 270-degree radial, or on a radial greater than 270 (e.g., 280-360/001-089).
- C. Incorrect. North of the 090-degree radial would imply a different OBS setting or 'FROM' indication.
- D. Incorrect. East of the 090-degree radial would mean you are in the northern hemisphere relative to the 090 radial, or on a radial less than 090 (e.g., 001-089).
VOR 'TO' Indication
The VOR 'TO' flag indicates that the selected course, if followed, will lead the aircraft to the VOR station.
- Points towards the VOR station.
- The OBS setting indicates the magnetic course to fly TO the station.
- The radial the aircraft is currently on is 180 degrees opposite the selected 'TO' course.
Memory trick: TO means Towards, so your course leads to the dot.