FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Navigation and Flight PlanningHard
A pilot is navigating using a VOR receiver. The aircraft is on the 270 radial FROM the VOR. The VOR indicator shows 'TO' with the Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) deflected to the right. What action should the pilot take to intercept and fly the 270 radial TO the VOR?
- ATurn left to a heading of 090 degrees and fly TO the VOR.
- BTurn left to a heading of approximately 270 degrees to intercept the radial.
- CTurn right to a heading of approximately 090 degrees to intercept the radial.
- DTurn right to a heading of 270 degrees and fly TO the VOR.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Turn left to a heading of 090 degrees and fly TO the VOR.
If the aircraft is on the 270 radial FROM the VOR, it means the aircraft is West of the VOR. To fly TO the VOR, the pilot must fly an inbound course of 090 degrees. If the CDI is deflected right with a 'TO' indication and 090 set, it means the 090 course is to the right of the aircraft's current position (or the aircraft is to the left of the 090 course). To intercept, turn left towards the 090 course and then adjust to fly 090 TO the VOR.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. If the CDI is right with a 'TO' indication and 270 set, it means the 270 course is to the right of the aircraft's current position, so you turn left to intercept it. However, 270 TO would be flying away from the VOR if you were West of it.
- C. This would be correct to intercept FROM the VOR, but the question asks TO the VOR.
- D. Turning right to 270 would fly away from the VOR if on the 270 radial FROM.
VOR Navigation (TO/FROM & CDI)
Using a VOR receiver to determine position relative to a VOR station and navigate to or from it, interpreting the 'TO' or 'FROM' flag and the Course Deviation Indicator (CDI).
- 'TO' flag indicates flying towards the VOR, 'FROM' indicates flying away.
- CDI deflection indicates the aircraft's position relative to the selected course.
- CDI deflected right means the course is to the right of the aircraft (or aircraft is left of course).
- CDI deflected left means the course is to the left of the aircraft (or aircraft is right of course).
- When flying 'TO' the VOR, turn towards the CDI needle to intercept the course.
- When flying 'FROM' the VOR, turn away from the CDI needle to intercept the course (or turn into the needle if using reverse sensing).
Memory trick: TO the VOR: 'Turn Towards' the needle.