Aviation Training Center

		list of tips
		list of tips
		Tip # 1: Making No Gyro Compass Turns Tip # 2: Which Way to Turn with the Magnetic Compass Tip # 3: Intercepting NDB Courses Over an LOM Tip # 4: Use the IDENT Switch Position on Your VOR Correctly Tip # 5: Improving Your Depth Perception After Breaking Out From a Low IFR Approach Tip # 6: Minimize Your Navigation Work Load When The Controller Tells You To Go Direct To the VOR

Spence Campbell's Advanced Instrument Tips

Tip # 6: Minimize Your Navigation Work Load When The Controller Tells You To Go Direct To the VOR

When told to proceed directly to the VOR, most pilots will use the following sequence. They will rotate the OBS much too fast, and go through the correct position at least twice before finally getting a "to" and a centered needle. They will usually spend several seconds carefully and exactly centering the CDI and then commence to turn to the heading shown on top of the OBS while the CDI displaces itself during the turn. Once on the heading they will center the CDI and then turn the aircraft to the corrected heading and start to track the VOR course.

Try this: Initially turn the OBS in one direction only until a "to" appears. Then very slowly turn the OBS until the needle starts to center. Donât try to center the needle exactly. Just get it somewhere in the middle of the instrument. Turn to the heading on the top of the OBS. As you near the heading check to see where the CDI is on the VOR scale.

Example: When turning to a 330° heading, the CDI is 5° or 2? dots to the right of center. Roll out on 330° plus 5°, or 335°. After stabilizing the aircraft, center the CDI needle with the OBS and you should be centered on course.
Example: When turning to a 120° heading, the CDI is fully deflected to the left. That is a 10° deflection left, so roll out on 120° minus 10°, or 110°. Then center the CDI with the OBS and you should be centered on course.
Example: When turning to a 165° heading, the CDI is deflected 3° to the left. Roll out on 165° minus 3°, or 162° and center the CDI with the OBS and you should be centered on course.

Note: This method saves the instrument pilot a complete aircraft maneuver and expedites the procedure.

These tips are intended for informational purposes only. No amount of written instructional material can substitute for personal professional training by a certified instructor. The advice contained above is in no way intended to substitute for such qualified instruction.