SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2006 7:33 pm Post subject: VOR: IFR or VFR???

I enjoy flying with VOR navigation on my flight simulator- I just want to know if it is considered VFR or IFR in real aviation.

Also, when in clear, VFR conditions, what do you real-life airline pilots use to navigate???

any light shed on this would be a great help!

thanks!

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 12:12 am Post subject:

I'm no pilot but i think i can answer your questions.

1: I would presume it's IFR, given that you require your instruments to locate a VOR.

2: Airline pilots never fly VFR, only IFR. VFR is left for handgliding, microlights and light aircraft.

pj

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 2:36 am Post subject:

With IFR, you are required to file a flight plan. A flight plan is optional with VFR.

VFR allows you to fly with more flexibity as to where you go.

There are restrictions with VFR that require you to maintaining safe distance from clouds and visibility Up, down, and forward. If the weather is not VFR friendly, you have two choices. (1) Stay home and wait for a better day or (2) fly IFR is you are certified.

I have been flying once per month with some friends of the local EAA chapter. Most of these guys prefer to fly with GPS.

These are just a few key points. There are several good links on the Microsoft Website that will provide additional information. Cool

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 3:37 am Post subject:

ok that clears it up

do airline pilots use VOR in clear conditions though?

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 4:55 am Post subject:

I doubt if professional airline pilots use VFR because of the cost of aviation fuel. It is cheaper to fly directly from point A to point B via a GPS rather than flying a indirect route via multiple VORs or NDBs.

They are probably flying via Low level or High Level Navigation routes. Cool

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 3:58 pm Post subject:

ok thats what i was wondering

Very Happy

thanks!

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 4:45 pm Post subject:

VORs are used in both VFR and IFR flying. Actually, I use VORs all the time flying VFR. My instructor had me using it from the very 1st lesson as, there is a VORTAC located adjacent to the local practice area. VORs are a very handy tool for VFR pilotage on cross country trips. You can also use some VORs to contact FSS for a weather update if you need it. NDBs are used in VFR as well. Added bonus: Tune-in a favorite AM radio station and you can listen to it as well as navigate by it. Razz

Just because it's an "instrument" doesn't mean you are not allowed to use it to navigate unless you are instrument rated flying IFR. In fact you are required to be familiar with and use all navigation tools in the cockpit. This is particularly tru for the private pilot check ride. It is almost a certainty that the GPS (if so equiped) will "break" shortly after you demonstrate that you know how to use it. Then you will be left will the VOR, DME, NDB, compass, clock and good old fashioned pilotage to prove to your examiner that you are compentent to fly around on your own.

While GPS is all the rage in General Aviation especially in Alaska, it's not as commonly used as you might think in commercial cockpits. Most use FMS or inertial navigation systems.