VOR Triangulation

 

"The Poor Man's GPS: VOR Triangulation"

In an era of Information overload and portable GPS in the cockpit running apps like ForeFlight and Skydemon, VOR Triangulation, often dubbed as "The Poor Man's GPS," still holds its ground as a fundamental skill.

Some might see it as an old pilot's nostalgic tale, but its practicality and precision can't be overlooked. What are your thoughts? When was the last time you challenged your navigation prowess using two VORs? For me, it remains a favorite practice, especially during basic VFR Navigation flights.

Some Basics:-
The VHF Omni-Directional Range (VOR) system, including its variants like VOR, VOR/DME, and VORTAC, is a classic yet critical tool in aviation navigation. It aids pilots in determining their position and staying on course using signals from ground-based radio beacons.

Understanding the VOR indicator is crucial. The to/from flag indicates your direction relative to the beacon, while the VOR gauge shows your radial position. Radials always radiate outward from the VOR station. Typically, you want a "From" indication, except when flying towards a station.

Operating in the 108.0 MHz to 117.95 MHz range, VOR channels are closely spaced and partly overlap with the instrument landing system (ILS) band.

Triangulation, a method used in various fields for location determination, is also applicable in aviation using two VORs for a precise position fix. This skill is especially valuable when visual landmarks aren't aligning with your charts - a situation pilots humorously describe as not being lost, just momentarily chart-challenged.

Let's consider an example: finding your position on the New York Sectional using the Lancaster VORTAC and Pottstown VOR. Tune into the frequencies, center the CDI needle with a "From" flag, and draw a line from each VOR along the course indicated by your OBS. The intersection of these lines is your precise location.

If navigating to a specific VOR, adjust the OBS to get a "To" flag and follow the corresponding course.

VOR navigation is a blend of technology and traditional skills like Dead Reckoning and Pilotage. All you need is a functional VOR receiver, a sectional chart, a pen, and a ruler.

Remember: "There are old pilots and bold pilots, but not many old, bold pilots." Stay smart and safe in your flying practices.