How far off course is each VOR dot from the station at 1 NM?

How far off course is each VOR dot from the station at 1 NM?

• A. 100 ft
• B. 200 ft
• C. 300 ft
• D. 400 ft

Answer: (B)

In navigation, the measurement and interpretation of VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) signals is crucial for determining aircraft position relative to the VOR station. Each VOR dot on a typical cockpit display represents a specific distance from the VOR station along the defined radial. When flying at a distance of 1 nautical mile (NM) from the VOR, each dot on the display indicates that the aircraft is approximately 200 feet off course. This is derived from the understanding that a full-scale deflection on a VOR indicates that the aircraft is 10 degrees to the side of the desired radial. Given that 1 NM translates to about 6076 feet, the trigonometric function allows us to determine that at 1 NM, each degree corresponds to approximately 100 feet of deviation. Thus, being 2 degrees off course results in being 200 feet off center, which is represented by the second option. This understanding is foundational for maintaining accurate navigation and ensuring that pilots correct their course promptly when indications suggest a deviation from the intended flight path.

In navigation, the measurement and interpretation of VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) signals is crucial for determining aircraft position relative to the VOR station. Each VOR dot on a typical cockpit display represents a specific distance from the VOR station along the defined radial.

When flying at a distance of 1 nautical mile (NM) from the VOR, each dot on the display indicates that the aircraft is approximately 200 feet off course. This is derived from the understanding that a full-scale deflection on a VOR indicates that the aircraft is 10 degrees to the side of the desired radial. Given that 1 NM translates to about 6076 feet, the trigonometric function allows us to determine that at 1 NM, each degree corresponds to approximately 100 feet of deviation. Thus, being 2 degrees off course results in being 200 feet off center, which is represented by the second option.

This understanding is foundational for maintaining accurate navigation and ensuring that pilots correct their course promptly when indications suggest a deviation from the intended flight path.