Effective range of VOR's?

[UA-RESURRECTED]

It's probably in one of my books somewhere, but does anyone know about how far you can be from a VOR and still navigate with a reliable signal?

 

[MFRskyknight]

It's probably in one of my books somewhere, but does anyone know about how far you can be from a VOR and still navigate with a reliable signal?

It is in one of your books. High, Low, and Terminal service volumes. Look these up.

MFR

 

[tomgoodman]

VOR reception

It's probably in one of my books somewhere, but does anyone know about how far you can be from a VOR and still navigate with a reliable signal?

For practical purposes, think "line of sight". At high altitudes over flat terrain, max range could be around 200 NM, but accuracy would be limited. Enroute charts provide min reception altitudes (MRAs), min obstruction clearance altitudes (MOCAs), and min enroute altitudes (MEAs) for various airways. The MEA should provide both reception and obstacle clearance.

 

[Elmer Fud]

VOR Range

The service volumes are listed in the AIM. It depends on the type of VOR and your altitude and distance from the station. Check it out. Beers to YOU!!

 

[nosehair]

Don'tcha just hate it when someone comes on here with a "look it up!" even when you specifically said you don't wanna "look it up."

Now here comes some reeel good "board advice".

The "service volume" figures you see quoted in the AIM, Chapter 1 are not absolute "reception ranges", they are frequency protected areas. There won't be another vor on that same frequency at that range and altitude.

Fact is, you can pick up a vor as long as it is in your line of sight. You could pick one up on the moon if you have a stong enough receiver.

A vor classed as a Low Altitude from 1000' to 18000' is good for 40 miles.
Beyond 40 miles, do you think the signal stops? No, but you might be picking up a signal from another vor on the same freq.
Research the area and make sure that isn't the case and - you're good to go.

 

[mcjohn]

Flying less than 10,000' go with 40nm for the majority of VORs. So if you're going VOR to VOR try to make them not much more than 80nm apart if you want to maintain a reliable signal. If you're flying low in the mountain forget about it. Maintaining a line of sight is crucial.

NDBs are better for the mountains because they're not limited to line of sight. Their signal will follow the curvatures of the terrain and fly you right into the side of a mountain if you're not careful.