To complete a VOR test you will first need to tune your NAV radios into the same VOR facility as one another. Once this is done, you can then move onto the VOR receiver.
On this, you will need to center the needles so that they are in a ‘TO’ indication. With this done, you can then note the indicated bearings from the station to the receiver.
The maximum bearing error should be +/- 4 degrees. Once this is done, you have completed a VOR test.
The VOR test is very important as it tests the competency of the VOR receiver. By completing this test you are transmitting a signal which will allow you to assess the VOR’s accuracy and its operational status.
This allows you to check that the VOR is fully operational before you take off.
If you do perceive any issues, this also allows you to get these problems fixed before take off, ensuring that you will not have any problems with this device while you are in the air.
You should do this regularly.
How often is a VOR check required?
You should complete a VOR test regularly, and always at least 30 days before you complete an IFR flight.
An IFR flight stands for Instrument Flight Rules, and it is a series of tests that you must complete to ensure that your aircraft is suitable for takeoff before you make any journeys.
Just like VOR tests, you must also complete IFR flights regularly to upkeep the maintenance of the aircraft and to have the knowledge that it is safe to fly.
Every time you complete a VOR test, you must log it in your logbook.
When you complete your VOR check, remember that 4 degrees is the tolerance, so this is something that you will need to look for.
Depending on the aircraft that you are using, you might need to complete more than one VOR check. This is because some vehicles come with two units, in which case you will have to check them both.
It is very important to regularly complete VOR checks to ensure that everything is in good working order, and that the aircraft is in a good enough condition to fly.
This is very important as if something were to go wrong with the device while you are in the air, you would struggle to fix it.
What does VOT stand for in aviation?
In aviation, VOT stands for an FAA VOR test facility, which is rather long-winded, hence why it is shortened to VOT.
VOT is what transmits the test signal required to complete the VOR check which we spoke about earlier.
This test signal can only be transmitted while the aircraft is on the ground as it is very similar to the signals that the receiver will be sent while the aircraft is in the air.
Using VOT is the most accurate way to test the receiver of the VOR, and the best and safest way to check that it is fully operational.
The VOT belongs to the airport, and not all airports have them which is why some VOR checks have to take place on the ground away from the airport.
It is a key part of completing the VOR check as the VOT will know what frequency to use to ensure that it triggers the same reaction in the VOR as other messages would.
But basically, VOT is just something that is used to complete the VOR test.
How do I find VOT?
In order to use VOT to complete a VOR check, you first have to find it. To do this, you will need to use the A/FD, or the Airport Facility Directory as it is otherwise known.
In this you will find absolutely everything you need to know about the aviation details for that airport, including the VOT signal.
To find this, you should enter the directory and head to the upper right-hand corner of the page where you will find the catalog.
Once this is selected, you will then be able to scroll through and find the FAA on the left-hand corner of the page.
This will come with a drop-down that allows you to locate the A/FD supplement for your region.
Once you have found your region, all you need to do is click on it and this should download the A/FD for this location.
After the download is complete you will be able to open this document. Using the search feature, type ‘VOT’ and this will show you all the information you could possibly need pertaining to the VOT for that region.
How does a VOT work?
As we have said, the VOT is a test facility that is used to check the VOR of aircraft. This test is usually done about 30 days before an IFR flight is completed in order to ensure that the craft is safe to fly.
The VOT transmits a signal which is then picked up by the VOR in order to see the receiver’s reaction.
The VOR is a very important component of the aircraft while flying, so it must be checked while the plane is on the ground. This is why using a VOT is the most convenient method to check the VOR.
When the VOR picks up the signal from the VOT, this will allow you to test its accuracy in picking up the signal that was sent.
It will also allow you to observe the effectiveness of the VOR and its operational status, allowing you to give a full assessment of the device while in a safe environment.
Almost every airport comes with a VOT, so you can usually use this to complete your VOR checks on the aircraft.
Once these tests have been completed, the aircraft is then safe for an IFR flight which is the next step in testing the safety of the vehicle.
