VOR Receiver Checks

The accuracy of course alignment for published VOR radials is ±3°. Unpublished radials are not required to meet a particular standard of accuracy and may be affected by siting difficulties. Any significant anomalies in published radials sent out from VOR serving an aerodrome will be published in the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS).

Where RNAV routes have not been published, VOR remains the primary NAVAID for use in Canada. It is important that the accuracy of the aircraft equipment be checked in accordance with principles of good airmanship and aviation safety.

While standard avionics maintenance practices are used for checking aircraft VOR receivers, dual VOR equipment may be checked by tuning both sets to the same VOR facility and noting the indicated bearings sent to that station. A difference greater than 4° between the aircraft’s two VOR receivers indicates that one of the aircraft’s receivers may be beyond acceptable tolerance. In such circumstances, the cause of the error should be investigated and, if necessary, corrected before the equipment is used for an IFR flight.

Aircraft VOR equipment may also be checked while airborne by flying over a landmark located on a published radial and noting the indicated radial. Equipment that varies more than ±6° from the published radial should not be used for IFR navigation.