FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Navigation and Flight PlanningMedium
A pilot is flying a VFR cross-country flight and observes a 'V' shaped symbol on the sectional chart pointing towards a VOR station, accompanied by a specific radial and distance. What does this symbol represent?
- AA mandatory VFR waypoint for route planning.
- BA VOR checkpoint for airborne receiver accuracy checks.
- CA reporting point for air traffic control.
- DA VOR test signal (VOT) facility for ground checks.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. A VOR checkpoint for airborne receiver accuracy checks.
A 'V' shaped symbol with associated radial and distance on a sectional chart indicates an airborne VOR checkpoint. Pilots can use these designated points to check the accuracy of their VOR receiver while in flight, ensuring it is within acceptable tolerances (usually +/- 6 degrees for airborne checks).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. VFR waypoints are typically five-letter names and are not depicted with the 'V' symbol for VOR checks.
- C. Reporting points are typically denoted by solid triangles or other symbols and are for communication with ATC.
- D. VOT facilities are identified differently and are for ground checks.
Airborne VOR Checkpoint
A designated geographical location on a sectional chart where pilots can perform an in-flight accuracy check of their VOR receiver.
- Depicted by a 'V' symbol with an arrow pointing to the VOR.
- Includes the radial and distance from the VOR, and sometimes the designated altitude.
- VOR accuracy must be within +/- 6 degrees for airborne checks.
Memory trick: V-shaped for VOR-ifying in flight