I recently have began my instrument training in order to work towards getting my IFR rating. Having this rating will allow me to fly in the clouds and low visibility, so more of my trips actually happen. It makes me a more precise, confident pilot and adds a bigger safety margin to every flight. This will be especially helpful to me since the airport I primarily fly out of is based on the coast, which can often have a thick marine layer that can force me into canceling flights. Since starting my training I have learned a lot, but the main thing I have been learning about is VOR’s. A VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) is a ground-based radio station that sends out signals in every direction. The instruments in the cockpit picks up those signals and shows which direction, or “radial,” the airplane is from the station. It helps pilots with navigation and position when instrument flying and even if your GPS fails, they will still function which is a big reason why pilots are required to learn about their function. A simple way to picture it: a VOR is like a lighthouse that tells you exactly which compass direction you are from it, so you always know which line you’re on.
