FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)Navigation SystemsMedium
A pilot is conducting a VOR operational check using an airborne checkpoint. The aircraft is 20 NM from the VOR station. What is the maximum permissible bearing error?
- A±2 degrees
- B±6 degrees
- C±8 degrees
- D±4 degrees
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. ±6 degrees
FAR Part 91.171 outlines the requirements for VOR equipment checks. For an airborne VOR checkpoint, the maximum permissible bearing error is ±6 degrees.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. ±2 degrees is the tolerance for a VOR test signal (VOT) check, not an airborne checkpoint.
- C. ±8 degrees exceeds the maximum permissible bearing error for any standard VOR check.
- D. ±4 degrees is the tolerance for a ground VOR checkpoint, not an airborne checkpoint.
Airborne VOR Check Tolerance
The maximum allowable error for a VOR receiver when conducting an operational check using a designated airborne checkpoint.
- Used to verify VOR receiver accuracy in flight.
- Tolerance is ±6 degrees.
- Must be performed at a designated airborne checkpoint.
Memory trick: Very Good Pilots Take Airplanes Seriously: VOT, Ground, Airborne, Dual.