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Aero-Tips 03.30.06

I’ve heard one of the most frequent violations during FAA ramp checks is a "bust" for the VOR Receiver Check. Even if you use GPS as your primary means of navigation there’s a good chance you’ll need a VOR for at least part of a trip. Flight under Instrument Flight Rules requires an operational check of the VOR(s) within the preceding 30 days.

How to Check

You have four options for operationally testing the VORs:

• VOT check. A VOR test facility (VOT) transmits a test signal used to determine the accuracy of a VOR receiver on the ground where a VOT is located. Tune the VOT frequency (usually 108.0) and center the course needle; the device should read 180 degrees with a TO indication indicated. Airborne use of VOT is permitted where specifically authorized in the Airport/Facilities Directory (A/FD).
• Airborne checkpoint. The A/FD also lists aerial checkpoints. Fly over a prominent landmark while tuned to the required VOR, and check "needle centered" bearing to that listed in the A/FD. You can also "make up" your own aerial checkpoint using a prominent landmark and a known (or plotted) bearing.
• Airport checkpoints. Similarly, many airports have VORs and the correct bearing posted on signs at various ground checkpoints, such as runway ends or run-up areas.
• Dual VOR check. Probably the most common method because it can be done anywhere, tune two VOR receivers to the same beacon and compare indicated bearings with both indicator needles centered.

Tolerances

Ground checks (options 1 and 3) require the needle-centered indicator be within four degrees of the "correct" bearing. The dual VOR check (option 4) requires the two needles, when centered agree within four degrees of one another. Checks using a single VOR and an airborne checkpoint (option 2) permit up to six degrees of variance between actual and expected bearing.

Log it

It didn’t happen if it wasn’t written down. FAR 91.171 requires the monthly VOR check be recorded "in the aircraft log or other record." The log entry must include DEPS: the date, indicated bearing error, the place where the check was conducted and the signature of the person conducting the test. If using option 1 with a test signal radiated by a Certified Repair Station, an additional entry must be made in the aircraft log or other record by the repair station certificate holder or its representative certifying the bearing transmitted and the date of transmission.

Aero-tip of the day: You don’t want to be in violation of the regulations; more importantly, you don’t want to be flying through the clouds with an inaccurate VOR. Conduct required VOR checks and make repairs as necessary. And don’t forget to log the results.

FMI: Aero-Tips