Simple Way to Determine Aircraft Position Using a VOR, CDI, and OBS

[@darringipson1]

Thank you. Someone that finally made sense of this. I have been working on this for almost 2 months and it hasn't even begun to make sense until this moment. First thing that has made sense in my IFR training!!!!!!!!

[@aviatrix_angel]

Working on my instrument rating and I have struggled with "paper VOR" skills since my PPL. This is the first explanation to REALLY make sense in a way that will stick to me. Thank you so much!

[@kurtreber9813]

How does it go in computer flight Sims? I find once I'm in the thick of it, it starts to make sense.

[@ofirlevine8074]

I fly jets, everything is instrument up there, but still, i love brushing up on the basics every once in a while... and let me tell ya'll, this is by far one of the best, easiest, clearest VOR videos on youtube. cheers brother, great job.

[@bsmerchant9865]

Got it.... i effing got it.... i musta watched 50-11 vor videos prior to this one. And i got on the 1st try. Thank you, Loves2fly

[@Loves2Fly]

Fantastic!

[@walterpappas5235]

Thanks a lot, student pilot here and this video finally helped it click

[@Loves2Fly]

Nice. Thanks

[@multicopter]

I watched over 20 explanatory videos, in multiple languages, totaling hours of videos and you managed to sum it all up in less than 10 minutes and I finally got it. Thank you very much! You could make more videos like that, they're perfect!

[@Loves2Fly]

Thanks for the complement! Glad it was helpful

[@robsteal3887]

It's actually starting to click now. Thanks for posting this video.

[@russellburi2075]

I really like King School videos, but THIS really clicked for me. Thank you so much!

[@Loves2Fly]

Thanks for watching. Glad you liked it

[@Grumpy412]

great help, man. with 3000+ hours fixed and rotary, now i feel i can navigate on paper too!!!😂😂

[@Loves2Fly]

Thanks for watching

[@OJ-z3x]

Thanks for this video, it really helps me studying for my FAA PPL Written exam!

[@Loves2Fly]

Glad it was helpful

[@iiiTzBAM]

I have to admit that this is the most accurate explanation to really understand VORs , THANK YOU THANK YOU

[@Loves2Fly]

You are very welcome

[@nicholasreynolds6073]

instrument student here just wanna say this is amazing! I went from not understanding why i was getting the wrong answer, to drawing it out and getting every question correct.

[@Loves2Fly]

Awesome, so glad it was helpful

[@KamranSohrab]

I struggle the most with VORs but this video just helped me visualize them! Thank you so much!

[@Loves2Fly]

So glad it was helpful

[@scottstolnitz8918]

Best explanation of how to solve the FAA problems I've seen....and....I've looked for a long time!

[@jeffyneedsanap]

Studying for the written and this really helped. Thank you for making this

[@keelystinner]

Wow, I'm annoyed I didn't find this day one of understanding VOR based position. Thank you so much. Just starting my instrument instruction and this was BY FAR the clearest instruction of this concept. This is how this should be taught.

[@Loves2Fly]

Thanks so much! Glad it was helpful

[@thecpt6265]

4 years after this was posted and here I am. This right here explained the CDI perfectly for me. I struggled with the whole concept and could never envision it. But you my good sir, you just made it all make sense. Thank you.

[@Loves2Fly]

You are so kind, thanks

[@ianperry9571]

Oh my goodness, why didn't I see this video when I was working on my instrument rating?!? Super easy and super helpful to understand!

[@Loves2Fly]

Thanks!

[@sunilmadan]

Very nicely explained, by far the simplest VOR video I ever watched. Thank you!

[@Loves2Fly]

Thank you. I am glad it was helpful.

[@WitheyT4]

this was really well explained and made it finally click after trying to learn vor's and how they work from like 3 different people thank you so much!

[@Loves2Fly]

Glad it helped!

[@Cherokee140Pilot]

Nicely done. As a telecommunications instructor, I know a lot work went into that video. Look forward to your next one!

[@feelyourgoals9135]

Thanks, what would you like to see next?

[@Cherokee140Pilot]

FeelYourGoals Thanks for asking. As a PPL, I typically watch things related to IFR.

[@Stratocruizer51]

If I understand correctly, based on the example of 210, if you see the To is in the upper quadrant and the needle is to right, then the upper right quadrant shows the range of headings that you would fly to get to the station to intercept the 210 radial. If the range of headings to get to the station is in the upper right quadrant, then the opposite of that is the lower left which places you north-east of the VOR and south of the 030 (tail of the 210) radial. To intercept the 210 you could fly either direct to the 030 radial (90 degrees) intercept of 300 or a 45 degree intercept which would be 255.

[@ubernox]

This is the only explanation of this I've found that doesn't work its way into a tangled mess off confusion and repetition

[@Loves2Fly]

I will take that as a complement:)

[@IRFRAJ]

finally after watching so many vor videos this one nails it. so simple to visualise now.... thanks

[@Loves2Fly]

Thanks for the complement! I’m glad it was helpful.

[@sadiq9310]

thanks so much man being struggling since ppl... and now just started my instrument and i got this ur explanation thanks man am so happy

[@Jjjjjjc]

I'm here for my NCATT AET DNS endorsement because I heard there a lot of this on there.

[@barushpena2172]

I’m sitting my RNav ATPL exam soon and this is the best explanation out of all the other videos on yt, thanks a lot 🙏

[@Loves2Fly]

So glad it was helpful!

[@Yegguy2]

Thanks it's been a while since in the books thanks for the refresher

[@stefandyrendahlgrimfelt7106]

I got more confused by this than before, I dont know why. Just felt very messy?

[@duckofdeath1695]

Best vid I've seen on VOR

[@Loves2Fly]

Thanks

[@michaelponto4954]

that music is a real pain

[@PhilLauter]

Ditto

[@d00der41]

Reminds me of a cheesy infomercial about some "miraculous" healing or enhancing product, get rich quick scheme, or religious testimonial from a megachurch or Chuch of Scientology. Pompous and pretentious. 🤮

[@Loves2Fly]

There is a music free version on the page if you prefer:)

[@GibsonCRG]

I’m returning to flying after 25 years (!) and making myself start from the beginning. I agree, this is an outstanding explanation and the way you broke it down into halves and then quadrants was simply outstanding. As I hope a constructive comment, I found the skeuomorphic writing/erasing distracting though it kept the pace slow enough to absorb the info as you presented it. Still, overall I highly appreciate and recommend this video for someone trying to build a good mental model of how VORs worth with CDIs.

[@Loves2Fly]

Thanks. I appriciate your comments

[@keithhays7758]

Such a helpful reminder as I prep IFR written. Thank you!

[@sox4536]

I had to watch the video several times before it sunk in, but finally!!

[@Loves2Fly]

Glad it was helpful

[@Techinvestigator]

confusing as hell

[@Steveyg2015]

2 years later and I'm still lost, no pun intended

[@SpaceOdyssey-]

True

[@phillp7777]

Yes FACTS it is still today... must use it like rly everyday or often to learn use it be good at it for sure

[@rapinncapin123]

😂

[@rapinncapin123]

​@@Steveyg2015😂

[@919dds]

Very helpful to me as I'm trying to improve my knowledge of the VOR.

[@shannonmadsen7388]

So grateful for this because now it all makes sense

[@Loves2Fly]

Glad it was helpful! Check out our other videos- I took a year off to sail with the family here in the Med.

[@phillipstephenson1597]

Working on PPL this has been a great help. Thank you sir!

[@Loves2Fly]

Glad it helped

[@JDSnowb]

Thank you so much for the video. Really helped me visualize how the VOR works. Basically whatever you have the course set to, it seems the aircraft is opposite of what the instrument indicates

[@Loves2Fly]

Yes, someday they will take these questions off the test.

[@flying_pig4243]

​@Loves2Fly I know they are slowly phasing out VOR as they break.... I'm currently in the middle of ppl and haven't taken the written test yet I wish this was something I didn't need to know... I'll have to watch this video more to hopefully get it I thought the TO indicated you were flying toward the radial but your video makes it seem like that's the opposite... Still confused 😕

[@RomanPearah]

@@flying_pig4243 It has nothing to do with which direction you're flying. It's merely about your position relative to the VOR. You could going in any direction. The CDI regards you merely as a point in space. "TO" just means that someone whose true course *was* the same as the radial with no deviation would be going towards the VOR. If you *want* to be going "TO" the VOR, fly the plane in a way that makes that true, i.e. match true course to radial and eliminate deviation.

[@TriumphDoc]

Well done, nice teaching method. Thanks so much.

[@RobinJakobsson]

Best video I've seen in the subject. Thank you!

[@Loves2Fly]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching

[@bobsmeyne763]

it really helps to think of too as to the radial instead of to the station. Thanks

[@Loves2Fly]

Glad it was helpful. Next year when we get back from sailing, I will be making more videos. What would also be helpful?

[@micahraber8949]

Awesome explanation. So simple

[@Loves2Fly]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dorprz8401]

I was trying to understand it for so long. Thank you so much! I finally know how this works.

[@gregorytaylorbowman4661]

Finally got it 20 year retread trying to speak for rmi and his again!!!

[@Loves2Fly]

Glad it was helpful

[@TGAV8]

This helps a lot

[@user-zl4wm2zt8y]

Well done very educational

[@Vagabondpilot]

needed to brush up. thanks for the quick reminder

[@szepesvaryp]

Very useful method and strongly advised! TBH I've developed a bit different logic for myself but it was a struggle for a some time before I was able to do that. Knowing this method earlier would have saved a lots of time and some grey hair for me - and I may also switch to this one. :D

[@Loves2Fly]

Thanks, glad it was helpful. What is your method?

[@szepesvaryp]

@@Loves2Fly It's kind of "brute force", nothing really special. After a lots of hours spent practicing these I can quickly visualize it in my mind, where am I. "TO" means I'm around the reciprocal radial of the set value from VOR perspective (so around the tail of the OBS arrow) and the direction of the deviation - and so the real VOR radial - can easily be identified after you have this picture in your mind. But your solution requires a lot less counting, easier to adapt and thus much more fail proof, gives a better picture of the situation quicker. :)

[@williamboyd8146]

Me too!! Thank Youi Loves2Fly!! Outstanding demonstrations!!

[@Loves2Fly]

You are so welcome

[@kurtreber9813]

The key is the TO/FROM flag. Think "FROM The Same Side" OR think "TO The Other Side" ... all in relation to what radial was dialed in with the OBS selector. 360 radial dialed in with a centered needle and a TO flag? "TO the other side" ... you are on the other side of the VOR (or on the 180 radial.) FROM flag? "FROM the same side" ... you are on the same side of the VOR (or on the 360 radial).

[@dl1965]

You are the best Plz continue

[@Loves2Fly]

Thanks

[@edstaa]

This video helped a lot, thanks!

[@Loves2Fly]

Glad it was helpful

[@naisargi143]

Nicely and well explained!!

[@Loves2Fly]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@kydinnichols7182]

Really appreciate your video

[@Loves2Fly]

Thanks Kydin

[@TM-xg4wm]

Easy . Please do one on the HSI

[@TM-xg4wm]

SunWorthy Sailing how to interpret.setting course , interpreting its course deviation bar too

[@rgardner922]

Excellent video.

[@Loves2Fly]

Thank you

[@92348fyi]

Awesome video! working towards ppl Thanks!

[@ihavemoredadsthanyou1679]

Thank you for this awesome video. Also, you are really good at drawing things!

[@gravecrawler1629]

I need to watch this daily.

[@Loves2Fly]

Thanks, I hope it is helpful. Eventually I also hope the FAA will just take this off the exam and focus on electronic systems which are way more accurate.

[@gravecrawler1629]

@@Loves2Fly I still understand the necessity of having it on the test as a kind of "fail-safe" incase the need arises. But man It really would be great if they pulled it from the test!

[@kubarlow]

Great explanation: thank you!👍🏽👍🏽

[@stuartw969]

Excellent video BUT still confusing on two key points - 1. clarity needed on impact of having a TO or FROM FLAG 2. WHEN IS PLANE ABOVE HORIZONTAL AND WHEN BELOW?

[@Loves2Fly]

The example is looking down from space. Regardless of your heading, if what you have set in the OBS (the radial, or spoke of the wheel) is on the other side of the VOR from you, it will display a TO flag.

[@weflyin375]

Great job very helpful

[@williamboyd8146]

Could you please do the same explanation for HSI?

[@Loves2Fly]

Yes, stay tuned

[@drboyce]

The music is a bit distracting but thank you for the knowledge

[@Loves2Fly]

This was one of my first videos. I was a little heavy on the “background” music. Thanks for watching

[@Mobev1]

Best ever video

[@Loves2Fly]

Thanks

[@MikeDiaz-mf4jz]

You’re just making it harder

[@Loves2Fly]

What would make it easier for you ? How can I help?

[@maajr57]

Excellent video, but when perpendicular to the station, in cone of confusion, is the CDI needle direction valid?

[@Loves2Fly]

Great question! The cone of confusion only happens when flying directly over the VOR. This is normally indicated by the needle and flag jumping back and forth until passage has happened. When away from the station, even crossing the 90 degree line. the flag will simply change from either TO to FROM or vise versa. The CDI needle will always be accurate if the signal is being received when away from the station.

[@backcountyrpilot]

Very helpful!

[@Loves2Fly]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching

[@vaneykjono]

massive help! thanks mate

[@jamesh7651]

good video! appreciated

[@jamescoker9545]

awesome instruction! Do you have one for hold pattern entry?

[@alexpivovarov1573]

Looks like CDI needle and to/from arrow shows us where we are NOT located.

[@Loves2Fly]

How is that?

[@traderrick69]

Great refresher for me. I thought the presentation and graphics were excellent. Naysayers would be well advised to seek one-on-one help from an instructor.

[@mattbasford6299]

I'm a 500 hour Private Pilot working on my instrument rating and I just can't understand how to determine my position relative to the VOR using a CDI. I understand VOR navigation (even though I did very little in my PPL training and didn't touch a VOR knob since. I am using the King School course and I watched John King explain it 4-5 times and then missed every practice question. I'm about to watch your video. I hope it helps. I just can't visualize how the CDI works. (Edit--so you didn't cover the HSI. That broken needle all crooked is throwing me. Like I said, I understand VORs)

[@njblanco10]

I sure appreciate it, Sir!

[@zero_to_1000]

Pretty helpful. Taking my written next week.

[@HUNTIN_P30PL3]

So at the 5 minute mark, you put the 210 degree radial up top. Right after that you did the same thing but put the radial at the bottom where 210 would normally be. Why the difference?

[@Loves2Fly]

The second example is the same but just rotated to north up like you were reading a chart.

[@sotoleeis]

amazing!!! thank you sir :)

[@trailblazer1281]

Thanks man, is it possible to do all nine?

[@Loves2Fly]

Yes, when I get back from sailing with the family next year

[@chazlyle41]

Thank you! So easy now!

[@JohnnyLeite-Brazil]

Oww, cool explanation! Thanks

[@Loves2Fly]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JohnCWildcat]

THANK YOU!!!

[@Loves2Fly]

I am currently in the Mediterranean sailing with the family. We sold the house and plane to spend a year away from the grind. I will be back to aviation next year. Til then you can follow our adventures:) Beautiful Island of Hvar kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioLOoqZ_hNOlq9U

[@markgreen2170]

at first I was confused by the channel name, sailing salt... then I remembered, "nothing sails across the ocean better than a 747!"

[@Loves2Fly]

Haha, true. However, the name is because we sold everything (including the airplane) and are taking the family sailing for a year:) By September, I’m going to start posting videos of our adventures sailing the Mediterranean

[@cyrilkommareddy2760]

wow! simply awesome

[@Loves2Fly]

Thanks Cyril

[@cyrilkommareddy2760]

@@Loves2Fly just watched your airspace's video it's really good and easy to understand.

[@rjcvg]

Very nice explanation,

[@Loves2Fly]

Thanks

[@thomasbohne7109]

Really helpful! Thank you

[@LouiethePilot-2Learn]

I have a radio at home so if I want distracting guitar music while I’m trying to learn something, I can assure you, I will turn it on to lose focus. Unbelievable

[@Loves2Fly]

Sorry the music was so distracting. Check our music free versions

[@glider1157]

Very good!

[@Loves2Fly]

Thanks

[@Loves2Fly]

Thanks

[@serefozutemiz9641]

thank you

[@Loves2Fly]

You are welcome!

[@williamk5998]

Great instruction. Distracting graphics however

[@Loves2Fly]

I’m sure it is better than staring at my ugly mug, lol

[@williamk5998]

@@Loves2Fly Don't get me wrong. I am grateful for the work you put into the videos and I appreciate how you are helping me get my IFR. It's just that I found this aspect distracting. Overcomeable but interfered a bit with concentration. I am subscribed and look forward to working my way through the rest of your videos.

[@Spymell]

Thanks!

[@AGhostofOnyx]

Thanks for the video but couldn't hear much with the background music unless I crank up the volume.

[@Loves2Fly]

Sorry about that, you will find a music-free version in the videos also.

[@arbil50]

Simple question: did your teacher played music in class so you paid attention?

[@Loves2Fly]

If you enjoyed the material but did not like the music, you may find this “no-music” version here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZu3ZqZ4aNN8esk

[@paericksen]

background music makes it difficult to hear/understand your speech

[@Loves2Fly]

There is also a music free version

[@pilotnickevans8691]

Thanks

[@Loves2Fly]

Thanks for watching

[@TheAngellLawFirmAtlanta]

but this doesn't help when asked for the cardinal direction from the VOR.

[@cherielektra]

I think it would be easier if the radial didnt go above the vor and just was below since the radial from the VOR, right? lol

[@Loves2Fly]

Yes the radial only extends from the VOR outward, though you can still navigate “To” the radial even on the opposite side.

[@pertevdural4513]

background music necessary? noting understandable with music.

[@Loves2Fly]

Sorry, it’s not. These were some early videos when I was still learning. Thanks for watching

[@looseparts]

The software you're using to create these illustrations is fascinating and I really appreciate it. Personally, I didn't notice there was music - I was focused on the content and that's the idea isn't it? This topic is kicking my butt on the online practice tests I'm taking, I'm going to try some more applying your instruction and will edit my comment with the results. [Edit] In Gleim's Study Unit 10: Navigation Systems - I got an 81% - which still sucks. I'm only partially interested in passing... I want to know. I'll review (literally re-view) this video as much as needed.

[@looseparts]

@@Loves2Fly One other thing that's killing me is compass errors. When turning, accelerating etc. Maybe not enough material there for its own video, but maybe you could add it to one? Thanks again for your fantastic help.

[@Loves2Fly]

Sorry, I don't do compass LOL. It is time the FAA got rid of the compass in aircraft. My 6 million dollar helicopter has to have a stupid compass in the corner or it is not airworthy lol Biggest thing to remember with the compass is that there is a heavier part of the disc which is attracted to N or if you make a turn(tilt it) the heavier part will tend to swing towards gravity and not north. Does that help?