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Jun 19, 2010 · The GPS uses a current magnetic variation and if you enter an airway with the VOR waypoints and any course change waypoints into the flightplan, the path over the ground will …
GPS uses a network of about 30 satellites orbiting the Earth that can tell you exactly where you are in three dimensions. VOR (short for VHF Omni-directional Range), on the other hand, is a short to medium range navigation system that operates in the 108 – 117.95 MHz range of frequencies.
The AIM prohibits you from using GPS (even if it's IFR approach approved) as the sole source of navigation on a VOR approach - one that doesn't say "or GPS" in the title. But, it does allow you to use GPS for navigation, as long as you tune and monitor your position for final course alignment using VOR indications.Nov 19, 2016
Intercepting a course means to get on the course and start tracking it. Tracking a course means to stay on the desired track while correcting any deviation, mainly caused by crosswind.May 22, 2021
In general, GPS units display a course using the magnetic variation of the route. There is no set standard for how magnetic variation is applied in GPS receivers. Every manufacturer develops its own method, causing differences in displayed magnetic courses between the same two points.Aug 1, 2014
For most general aviation pilots today, yes. While GPS doesn't automatically equal RNAV, it's the most common system found in cockpits around the world, especially for piston aircraft.Aug 15, 2020
Use of a suitable RNAV system as a means to navigate on the final approach segment of an instrument approach procedure based on a VOR, TACAN or NDB signal, is allowable.Feb 28, 2017
VORTACWhen used with a VOR or VORTAC, the instrument can be referred to as an "omni bearing indicator" ("OBI").
VOR stands for very high frequency (VHF) omnidirectional range. These ground-based navigational aids (navaids) transmit in all directions on a VHF frequency band of 108.0 to 117.95 MHz. Courses from the station are called radials and are numbered 001 through 360, correlating with degrees from magnetic north.Aug 1, 2017
The VOR Navigational Station Terminal VORs are designed to be clearly received up to 25 nautical miles from the station at altitudes of 1,000 feet agl through 12,000 feet agl. Low-altitude VORs are meant to be used from 1,000 feet agl through 18,000 feet agl at distances of up to 40 nm from the station.Dec 5, 2000
A GPS unit provides far more detailed navigational information than a compass, although the navigational understanding required is more superficial. Using a compass with a map gives a broader geographical context, helps you remember the route and learn about other things on the way.
Airport runways are perhaps the most visible example of a navigation aid updated to match shifts in Earth's magnetic field. By FAA rules, runways are numbered according to the points on a compass, from 1–36, reflecting the magnetic compass reading to the nearest 10 degrees and dropping the last digit.Nov 20, 2017
The GPS receiver natively reads in true north, but can elegantly calculate magnetic north based on its true position and data tables; the unit can then calculate the current location and direction of the north magnetic pole and (potentially) any local variations, if the GPS is set to use magnetic compass readings.
When the FAA has determined that a segment of a Victor Airway will no be longer usable for a long period of time, it puts the notation in the charts. So take that into account if you’re filing a flight plan using Victor Airways. It might not take, though now you’ll know the reason why.
In some cases, a Victor Airway may not be able to be reliably used with a VOR signal anymore, but the Victor Airway could still be used with an alternate form of navigation equipment.
It used to be that an airway might list a MOCA (a number with an * before it) and MEA along a segment. The MOCA guaranteed you wouldn’t hit stuff and signal reception only within 22 nautical miles of a VOR. The MEA gave that same obstruction clearance but also navigation reception was guaranteed along the entire segment of the airway.
Speaking of transition to that MON VOR network, many VORs are completely NOTAMed as out of service. This is something that won’t show up on a chart and takes some digging to find out but can be important if you are considering using VORs in your cross-country navigation.
Most of the waypoints on a GPS approach are "fly-by" waypoints, which means you might not fly over them. Or get even close to them, for that matter. Your GPS calculates the most efficient turn on to your next course, and then 'cuts the corner' to make a smooth turn between course segments.
Keep in mind, however, that glideslope mode (GS) or glidepath mode (GP) is different. It doesn't matter what altitude you've bugged when you intercept a glideslope or path. In GS or GP mode, your plane will descend along the glideslope or path all the way to the ground, no matter what altitude is set.
Colin Cutler. Colin is a Boldmethod co-founder, pilot and graphic artist. He's been a flight instructor at the University of North Dakota, an airline pilot on the CRJ-200, and has directed development of numerous commercial and military training systems. You can reach him at [email protected].
But, it does allow you to use GPS for navigation, as long as you tune and monitor your position for final course alignment using VOR indications.