Conducting a VOR Check Prior to Your Next IFR Flight: A Guide

Conducting a VOR Check Prior to Your Next IFR Flight: A Guide

Ensuring the accuracy of your VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) receiver is crucial for safe and reliable instrument flight navigation. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to perform a VOR check for IFR flights, along with details about the maximum allowable bearing errors for different VOR check methods.

Before an IFR flight, it's essential to check your VOR receiver within the preceding 30 days, as per FAA regulations (14 CFR 91.171). To perform a typical VOR check, follow these steps:

1. Tune both NAV radios to the same VOR facility. 2. Center the needles of each VOR receiver with a "TO" indication. 3. Note the indicated bearings to the station from each receiver. 4. Compare the bearings from both receivers. The maximum permissible variation between the two indicated bearings is 4 degrees.

This dual-VOR check method is common before IFR flights to ensure receiver accuracy within 30 days as required by FAA regulations.

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### Allowed Maximum Bearing Errors for Different VOR Check Methods

While the dual NAV radios method is the most common, there are other methods with different maximum allowable bearing errors:

- Ground checkpoint: VOR receiver tuned to a VOR located on the airport with a published test bearing; max allowable error is 4 degrees. - Airborne checkpoint: Checking the VOR indication over a known airway or radial; max allowable error is 6 degrees. - VOT (VOR Test Signal): Tuning to a VOT frequency produces a specified indicated course; maximum allowable error is ±4 degrees.

Although these additional methods and tolerances are standard FAA guidance, the search results primarily detailed the dual receiver method with a 4-degree maximum error.

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### Key Points to Remember

| VOR Check Method | Maximum Allowed Bearing Error | |----------------------------|------------------------------| | Dual NAV receivers tuned to same VOR | 4 degrees | | Ground checkpoint | 4 degrees | | Airborne checkpoint | 6 degrees | | VOT test signal | ±4 degrees |

Remember the VOR check must be done within 30 days before the IFR flight as per FAA requirements.

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Many airports have VOR checkpoint signs that indicate the exact point on the airport where there is sufficient signal strength from a VOR to check the aircraft's VOR receiver. If you're unsure about the VOR check methods or need more detailed procedures, the Boldmethod Instrument Procedures course can help you earn your instrument rating and master IFR skills.

After the check, the VOR equipment accuracy must be recorded according to FARs. Each person performing a VOR operational check must enter the date, place, bearing error, and sign the aircraft log or other record.

For those starting instrument training or brushing up for their next flight, the Boldmethod Instrument Procedures course provides the knowledge, confidence, and flexibility needed to be a great instrument pilot. Subscribing to the Boldmethod email provides real-world flying tips and information directly to your inbox every week.

[1] 14 CFR 91.171 - Aircraft Equipment: VOR Receiver [2] FARs - Federal Aviation Regulations

1. To adhere to FAA regulations, ensure your VOR receiver is checked within the preceding 30 days using the dual NAV radio method (14 CFR 91.171).
2. For a typical VOR check, tune both NAV radios to the same VOR facility, center the needles, note the bearings, compare them, and ensure the variation doesn't exceed 4 degrees.
3. In addition to the dual receiver method, there are other checkpoint methods with different maximum allowable bearing errors, such as ground checkpoints (4 degrees), airborne checkpoints (6 degrees), and VOT test signal (+/- 4 degrees).
4. It's important to remember these VOR check methods and their respective tolerance levels as they are standard FAA guidance, even if the search results might primarily focus on the dual receiver method.
5. When souredout about VOR check methods or needing more detailed procedures, the Boldmethod Instrument Procedures course can help you earn your instrument rating and master IFR skills.
6. After the VOR check, the equipment accuracy must be recorded according to FARs, with the date, place, bearing error, and signature recorded in the aircraft log.
7. For those starting instrument training or preparing for their next flight, subscribing to the Boldmethod email can provide real-world flying tips and information directly to your inbox every week.

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