Navigation Using a VOR

This video makes VOR navigation easy to understand through animation. It covers what VORs and radials are, how to tune and ID a VOR, how to find your location from a VOR, and how to correct for the wind using bracketing to fly directly to or from a VOR.

[@b.alexander6200]

Just wanted to chime in and say that your video is still helping aspiring pilots learn over a decade after you made it. Thanks a lot for sharing this

[@andrewmpaul]

This is the BEST tutorial on VOR's I've seen

[@SafakSahin]

yes indeed it is

[@poppabear9279]

This makes you respect our aviation founders. They navigated without VOR and without navaids and identified where they were at by mountain tops, ranges and really put it all out there to hang in the sky. Imagine navigating a world war 1 biplane, over foreign terrain, with little more than a stick, a rudder, a compass and a paper chart? VORs are old in today’s world, but still a reliable backup to GPS equipment.

[@fingerhorn4]

Brilliantly clear with exceptionally good language. A rarity nowadays.

[@user-mf7cu5il7y]

Its nice to have a layman's knowledge of VOR. Thanks

[@sidmoore007]

You are a natural-born educator. Your enthusiasm is an added spur to the student.

[@AboodH1995]

lots of enthusiasm!

[@johnmer3000]

Couldn't tell you how many night flights when a VOR has saved me from going to wrong bunch of lights. One cold winter night I was flying into Amarillo Tradewinds from Ok City and was determined that ATW was right where I was heading, but Amarillo VOR said no, and while I was still pretty determined that I knew better, I finally woke up and got back on that VOR radial and went directly to ATW. Moral here is to practice using VOR until it becomes automatic in your head.

[@747-pilot]

Agreed that VOR navigation is indeed very useful! I am a student pilot with a little over 60 hours, including around 10 solo. I'm almost ready for my checkride, and oddly enough (compared to what most students seem to say), I find VOR navigation VERY EASY and intuitive and I seem to be quite good at it!! However, unlike the others, I'm actually TERRIFIED of navigating using visual landmarks! (pilotage). I've gotten a lot better at it now than I was, but I still have a lot of difficulty. I can't seem to make out the difference between various things (lakes, rivers , creeks and so on and how to "spot them" - I'm terrible at it at times). My instructor kept saying, don't you see that creek, don't you see that airport. It takes me all the time in the world to spot them! 😃 Interstates are probably the only thing that I can consistently and reliably identify and spot. I also get "disoriented" very easily. I spot something and then after I've made a steep turn or something, I have to look and look and look to see where that "thing" I just saw went! 😃

[@gordondean2110]

Pretty good explanation. Couple of additions: 1. When tracking a VOR radial, to avoid confusion the course selected on the OBS should always be close to the heading shown on the compass. By "close" I mean 5-30 degrees difference. This will prevent setting the OBS 180 deg. off. 2. This discussion referred to turning towards the needle and when it centers then guess at a new heading. Don't guess! Here is how to determine what heading to fly that will KEEP the needle centered. Start with needle centered and the heading of the A/C the same as the setting on the OBS. When the needle gets off center, then: a)Turn towards the needle 20 deg. b)When the needle centers, remove 1/2 of the correction, which , in this case is 10 degrees. c) If the needle moves off center again, turn 10 degrees toward the needle. d) When the needle centers, remove 1/2 (5 degrees) of the correction just made. e)If the needle drifts off center again, turn 5 degrees towards the needle, f) When the needle centers, remove 1/2 the correction (2.5 deg). At this point, the needle can be held centered by adjusting the heading 2.5 digs left or right as needed. This method (I call it the "Half Angle Method") can be summarized as 1) Start with the needle centered, 2) When the needle drifts off center, turn towards it. 3) When the needle centers, remove 1/2 of the cut made to get the needle centered. Initial cut s/b be 20 deg., then 10 degrees, and finally 5 degrees. This works well and like said before, it takes about 5 minutes to determine the exact heading (+/- 2.5 degrees) that will hold the needs absolutely centered.

[@ralfsenger]

The idea is good but only works if you have chosen a quite high intercept course. If you are actually quite close to the right course you might sometimes need to add, instead of subtracting the half of the angle

[@shyammohabir8283]

This is one of the BEST tutorial on VOR's on KZbin! The radial you're on has nothing to do with our heading! Flying away FROM a VOR, you're on a RADIAL, Flying TO a VOR you're on BEARING to the VOR.

[@fiveoboy01]

As a student pilot with about 10 hours so far, I found this video very helpful! Thanks for making it!!

[@xjrmh]

The best VOR explanation I have watched.

[@robertray4377]

I had watched more than a dozen VOR videos and left me confused . This one cleared it all up . Congrats , you are the best !

[@prestonmiller9552]

VOR Navigation is almost a bygone technology but it is still good to have a basic understanding in case something goes wrong with todays modern NAV equipment. It was almost never explained as well as this video has explained it. I still learned a couple things from watching this video.

[@rcairflr]

@Not quite as a bygone technology as ADF, but yes, you are correct. With modern FMS Navigation, almost nothing else is used.

[@ivy184]

This is obviously the best video out of all the other ones that I had to file through to get here. I wouldn't even listen to that other noise, this is the video.

[@pedrobudders4454]

agreed this is the best VOR Tutorial I have seen, thank you, Peter

[@armystrong9997]

Absolutely GREAT video. I've spent so much time watching videos trying to understand VOR navigation with little luck. This video answered so many questions and gave me a much better understanding. Keep up the great work! Subscribed!

[@austinbailey7146]

Best VOR tutorial. Really cleared things up.

[@MrEthanhines]

this is the most comprehensive explanation i have heard to date. thank you.

[@747-pilot]

This is an *OUTSTANDING* video!! Explains all the finer details of VORs very well. I've watched other videos on VORs and while they did a good job of explaining, in general, this is the one that did it for me. This was especially true of how the *"bracketing"* technique of "micro adjusting" for wind etc. was explained. Now I know how to "fine tune" that aspect of VOR navigation. Also important details on accuracy of VORs, how the CDI deflects while you're over it etc. are things that were missing in other videos, and exactly what I was hoping to understand!!

[@freestanding1000]

This is very well explained. Good job. Understood everything. Been an aircraft mechanic for many years but really didn't comprehend all of this. Your video made it easy.

[@747-pilot]

What a FANTASTIC explanation!! I have not seen a better or clearer explanation of Instrument Navigation than this video! EXTREMELY well done!!

[@jenniferspilsbury9969]

Thank you for making this so much easier to comprehend! I’m always overthinking VORs and you made it simple to understand!

[@malvinkamau1838]

He really simplified it 🙏🏾😇 initially VORs was not a walk in the park but with him it's now easy to comprehend

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thanks for this. Best VOR tutorial I've found!

[@tufan759]

I was having trouble passing VOR lesson in FSX until I found this video. Thanks!

[@IamthePMofAustralia]

Best instructional watched to date. The whole vor thing had me confused until I watched this. Brilliant

[@likeawhispr]

I sure wish they had this back in the 80's when I learned to fly! Students can get more information on youtube today than I did in the actual formal ground school course! Wonderful stuff!

[@rinzler9775]

I learnt back in the 90's so know what you mean. No GPS, No autopilot, paper map. Not even a cell phone. I remember my first solo cross country was a bit nerve racking.

[@gokharol]

This is the best video in VOR explanation I've seen so far, so clear to understand! Thank you very much

[@Rashad470]

BIG THANKS for detailed explanation.

[@pilotgabe2002]

By far the best and most helpful video on VORs! Just starting xc flights!

[@cshamm]

Excellent video.....totally clears up VOR for me.

[@mktwatcher]

Excellent VOR How To Video - Your nomenclature was also spot. This is much better than others that claim to have the easiest method. Thank you

[@DimitriKiselkov]

I needed this when playing MS FS '98 when I was 13. today, i'm eagerly waiting for FS2020. what a great time to be alive :)

[@michaelp340]

This is the best explanation I have seen for understanding VOR navigation. I especially liked the visual example around 3:25 with the CDI. Excellent job-thanks

[@CJSnews]

Thank you for an excellent tutorial. This video helped me to understand VOR.

[@Cessna8057F]

I appreciate the info in this video. I am relatively new to flying and this cleared up some of my questions, thanks so much.

[@bartofilms]

Clearest explanation of VOR/DME yet. Thanks!

[@mercedesbenzformula1]

Great explanation. It makes a lot of sense (especially after watching it a second time)!

[@mrboss20ten]

Flight simulation has greatly helped me understand this topic. VORs are a piece of cake.

[@kojack635]

61 people's brains exploded after watching this video

[@denny9278]

super lol XD

[@AboodH1995]

lol my brian is boiling at the moment

[@realmofcrazies]

Bob Swagger q

[@PaulA-zp7hn]

LMAO! But it is so clearly explained, it seems that brain explosions are part of learning VOR.

[@brandonvillalobos8008]

It’s hard to understand when only watching videos about VOR. Watch videos and then practice using them in the air. They’re very confusing at first, but get much easier and they are a great tool to prevent getting lost.

[@zeedoogyboy]

Very good tutorial! Clearly spoken and understood. Excellent instructor.

[@Joeviatorcom]

Awesome video! Clear and concise. Definitely will be sending the link to my students.

[@minalawless1381]

Awesome! I finally get it. THANK YOU!

[@elnod]

Holy shit thank you so much, I was stuck on this for ages

[@CMDRRustyDog]

Great guide on VOR. Helped me so much for learning new things while flying MSFS 2020 :) Thanks !

[@kwccoin3115]

Best and clear after doing this for 6 months. Just great.

[@MrDrive4n]

All that disliked video - Flies at 3,000 ft., pulls out Google maps, enter airport address, and follows road at 100 kts. Lmao

[@itsmecarter2]

This helped me so much, everything make sense now. I'm so stoked

[@krishaley5502]

This is an excellent video. I clearly now understand a lot about VOR’s!

[@beatrizbehar7146]

Thanks Rising Wings! Appreciate the explanation.

[@gbwhondo]

Absolutely an excellent, informative presentation of a subject that can be difficult to understand.

[@TheRooster602]

Great explanation. I was really confused after listening to my instructor try to explain this.

[@FireLight275]

Excellent video on VOR navigation, thanks for sharing this info.

[@toddwoods582]

PP Checkride in one week...this is the best tutorial on YT. Thanks.

[@BADKALOS]

Excellent toturial, i undertood everything.Now I'm ready to practice it in FSX and maybe one day in real life!

[@ruvendraprasad9377]

Very excellent coverage on VOR. Thanks.

[@yta7777777]

Thank you!!! The best explanation I've seen. Exactly what i was looking for. Awesome. Thanks again!!

[@Starpilot149]

Thanks! I might finally be able to take the test now.

[@opus4rv]

the most confusing thing I learnt when I got my Pilot's Licence. I hated VOR . I understood it only after many mistakes getting back on course using it.

[@NorthvilleBasements]

lernt

[@PiMpLiChEeSs]

try NDB, Vor is a cake

[@MrJorvilla84]

+that weaboo indeed... MH + RB = MB

[@zacharycroft1589]

Great video! I hope you're keeping up the good work

[@jeremykemp3782]

I just learnt this for my test. I honestly thought I would never understand it. But once it clicks, it clicks. I recommend that you get in the plane and just keep practicing. I also took a photo of the cockpit and took it home with me

[@enzo33394]

this really helped me. straight forward and simple thanks

[@tadbarker7082]

I’m gonna have to watch this a few times but it’s a great help to a newbie 👍 Thanks for doing it 😊

[@jhguygih]

Best explanation found until now.

[@rasim81]

I watced many KZbin videos that explains VOR navigation. I think this is the bes explanation ever.

[@Flatlandmike]

This actually made 100% sense so me. Thank you

[@bradypickett5681]

Thanks so much! Very clear and concise.

[@stephenmason5682]

I like using radio navigation with my flight sums, as it adds another layer of interest. I've used it so long, it's second nature to me, but recently wanted to refresh my knowledge. I've got a bit lazy and used to using GPS / ils landings? I googled VOR and came across your video tutorial. It is by far the best explanation I have ever seen or read on the subject, and I would recommend any beginner studying it.. Maybe a little extension on finding the VOR frequencies on the charts?? Excellent content. Regards from the UK.

[@mukthisingh6764]

Good and detailed explanation of the system, Thanks a lot Dear

[@EchoChick2009]

this is an excellent vid' for a beginner like ME:) i was having trouble understanding the VOR concept,,, but now i get it. Thanks for posting this tutor,, it helped immensely.

[@Dcience]

I've learned a lot from this tutorial. Thanks

[@abbieamavi]

*I know everybody is saying it, but this is THE best video on VORs I have ever watched. Man I wish I had seen this during my Private! Or even 2 months ago back in June 2020, when I first started my IFR training! Regardless, I'm glad to have found it, and will be recommending it to every student who needs help on VORs.....which is all of us, we all needed this.* 😂 Awesome video. thank you!

[@christianmabe6320]

This is super helpful. I couldn't unhesitant this using FAA material. Thank you!

[@newmanlord7130]

Great Video Captain, Hi from Ghana.

[@Mauipatricia]

Awesome! Pile my thanks on top of all the others. This takes all the mystery out of it!

[@ramnalald]

Really good video to under stand the VOR navigation

[@omarniko6093]

He did do a very good job at expaining things.But it a lot you have to know when your trying to study to get your pilot license.It really helps a lot after class.

[@MAUTxxx]

Very useful! Helps with my homework of planning a cross country flight!

[@joblessalex]

100% agree. Holy crap this is a clean tutorial. Definitely the one I'll be recommending.

[@ewanharris5433]

it was well presented and comprehensive. It is worth watching

[@hukes]

Best explanation I've seen.

[@ClearedAsFiled]

New Subsciber. .....great explanation of VOR navigation. ....wish I had you around in 1991 when I was doing my flight training.....unfortunately glass cockpits tend to dumb down pilot skills such as using a VOR.....

[@Cpsvids]

Thanks! Awesome tutorial that really helped me out!

[@nomdeplume639]

Really well explained. Thank you.

[@zeedoogyboy]

Man, this is a great tutorial!

[@cherfieldm]

Nice video very informative, thank you for sharing.

[@mbadar726]

Professional video !!! clear explanation, very useful to understand basics of VOR. Thank you sir all my respect ! Badar

[@dpdahlin]

Thanks! Great explanation

[@gilbertofernandes2674]

I am still beggining to learn VOR navigation. It is a bit complicated but this video is really very comprehensible.

[@hakimihomayoon]

Thank you sir, it was very teaching. PLease accept my appreciations for your time and the efforts.

[@alexmcquay9336]

Finally got it, thank you so much

[@4yeahprettymuch]

Very helpful video, thank you!

[@kprop9621]

thank you very much. could not been better.any kind of such explanation is highly appreciated. Keep the good work.

[@Shkvarka]

Awesome tutorial, thank you very much!!

[@AddyRyan66]

this video is a gem!

[@mirasolapostolamolo]

amazing VOR toturial,great voice

[@brandon5058]

thankyou ! i understand it completely finally

[@wilburmccullough6336]

Very good. Explained very well and made good sense.

[@hardwaybets]

Excellent explanation! Well done...

[@JohnisoneGR]

Amazing tutorial!

[@tobiasmucksch9441]

Thank you so much. This video is very helpful