content_image/575812.jpg
To return to the desired radial, the aircraft heading must be altered to the right. As the aircraft returns to the desired track, the deviation needle slowly returns to center. When centered, the aircraft is on the desired radial and a left turn must be made toward, but not to the original heading of 350° because a wind drift correction must be established. The amount of correction depends upon the strength of the wind. If the wind velocity is unknown, a trial-and-error method can be used to find the correct heading. Assume, for this example, a 10° correction for a heading of 360° is maintained. 

While maintaining a heading of 360°, assume that the course deviation begins to move to the left. This means that the wind correction of 10° is too great and the aircraft is flying to the right of course. A slight turn to the left should be made to permit the aircraft to return to the desired radial. 

When the deviation needle centers, a small wind drift correction of 5° or a heading correction of 355° should be flown. If this correction is adequate, the aircraft remains on the radial. If not, small variations in heading should be made to keep the needle centered and consequently keep the aircraft on the radial. 

As the VOR station is passed, the course deviation needle fluctuates, then settles down, and the “TO” indication changes to “FROM.” If the aircraft passes to one side of the station, the needle deflects in the direction of the station as the indicator changes to “FROM.” 

Generally, the same techniques apply when tracking outbound as those used for tracking inbound. If the intent is to fly over the station and track outbound on the reciprocal of the inbound radial, the course selector should not be changed. Corrections are made in the same manner to keep the needle centered. The only difference is that the omnidirectional range indicator indicates “FROM.” 

If tracking outbound on a course other than the reciprocal of the inbound radial, this new course or radial must be set in the course selector and a turn made to intercept this course. After this course is reached, tracking procedures are the same as previously discussed. 

## Tips on Using the VOR 

• Positively identify the station by its code or voice identification. 

• Remember that VOR signals are “line-of-sight.” A weak signal or no signal at all is received if the aircraft is too low or too far from the station. 

• When navigating to a station, determine the inbound radial and use this radial. Fly a heading that will 

maintain the course. If the aircraft drifts, fly a heading to re-intercept the course then apply a correction to compensate for wind drift. 

• If minor needle fluctuations occur, avoid changing headings immediately. Wait a moment to see if the needle recenters; if it does not, then you must correctly recenter the course to the needle. 

• When flying “TO” a station, always fly the selected course with a “TO” indication. When flying “FROM” a station, always fly the selected course with a “FROM” indication. If this is not done, the action of the course deviation needle is reversed. To further explain this reverse action, if the aircraft is flown toward a station with a “FROM” indication or away from a station with a “TO” indication, the course deviation needle indicates in a direction opposite to that which it should indicate. For example, if the aircraft drifts to the right of a radial being flown, the needle moves to the right or points away from the radial. If the aircraft drifts to the left of the radial being flown, the needle moves left or in the direction opposite of the radial. 

• When navigating using the VOR, it is important to fly headings that maintain or re-intercept the course. Just turning toward the needle will cause overshooting the radial and flying an S turn to the left and right of course. 

## Time and Distance Check From a Station Using a RMI 

To compute time and distance from a station, first turn the aircraft to place the RMI bearing pointer on the nearest 90° index. Note the time and maintain the heading. When the RMI bearing pointer has moved 10°, note the elapsed time in seconds and apply the formulas in the following example to determine the approximate time and distance from a given station. [Figure 16-33] 

The time from station may also be calculated by using a short method based on the above formula, if a 10° bearing change is flown. If the elapsed time for the bearing change is noted 

<img src='content_image/575812.jpg'>

