VOR, GPS, Radar Services, and Navigation Systems
- Episode: 18
- Version: 0.2.5
In this episode
A daytime VFR trip prepares VOR, DME, GPS, ADS-B traffic information, and VFR radar services before departure, then uses them in sequence alongside aircraft control, visual scanning, current information, and a coherent route picture. The episode builds on Episode 16’s ADS-B equipment framework by separating direct ADS-B traffic from ground-delivered TIS-B traffic information and by explaining the VFR flight-following relationship with ATC.
Study materials and visual aids
- Private Pilot ACS Navigation Systems and Radar Services task
- PHAK VOR radial and line-of-sight picture
- PHAK VOR identification and signal-integrity guidance
- FAA Chart Users' Guide VOR identifier and Morse-code chart symbology
- PHAK CDI and HSI explanation
- PHAK DME slant-range explanation
- PHAK VOR station-passage explanation
- FAA VOR Minimum Operational Network overview
- FAA Ground-Based Navigation: VOR MON and NextGen DME
- AIM VOR MON and DME/DME equipment roles during GNSS disruption
- FAA high-power DME and NextGen DME program overview
- PHAK GPS integrity and RAIM explanation
- PHAK VFR GPS cross-check and database-currentness guidance
- PHAK VFR GPS preparation and lookout guidance
- AIM radar traffic information service
- AIM radar assistance to VFR aircraft
- AIM terminal radar services for VFR aircraft
- AIM transponder code and altitude-reporting operation
- FAA Order JO 7110.65BB VFR beacon-code assignments
- FAA Order JO 7110.65BB radar identification methods
- FAA Order JO 7110.65BB radar-service identification prerequisite
- AIM ADS-B services
- FAA ADS-B In, TIS-B, and ADS-R service explanation
- AIM TIS-B traffic-information service
- ForeFlight Sentry Pilot's Guide
Fact-check and source material
| Topic | Source type | Authoritative source | Locator | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACS lesson scope | FAA standard | FAA-S-ACS-6C navigation-systems task | PA.VI.B, PDF viewer p. 47 (printed p. 39) | Formal two-pass source review passed 2026-09-20 |
| VOR geometry and reception | FAA handbook | PHAK Chapter 16 | Ground-Based Navigation and VOR, p. 16-22 | Formal two-pass source review passed 2026-09-20 |
| VOR identification, indication, and station passage | FAA handbook | PHAK Chapter 16 | VOR identification, p. 16-23; CDI and HSI, p. 16-24; station passage, p. 16-26 | Formal two-pass source review passed 2026-09-20 |
| DME geometry | FAA handbook | PHAK DME explanation | Distance Measuring Equipment, pp. 16-27–16-28 | Formal two-pass source review passed 2026-09-20 |
| VOR chart identification | FAA chart guide | Aeronautical Chart Users' Guide | VFR chart symbology, radio aids to navigation | Formal two-pass source review passed 2026-09-20 |
| VOR MON and NextGen DME | FAA operational guidance and navigation program | AIM, VOR MON, Ground-Based Navigation, and DME program pages | Conventional fallback for aircraft unable to continue RNAV, DME/DME equipage boundary, high-power DME architecture, and NextGen sustainment | Formal two-pass source review passed 2026-09-20 |
| GPS integrity and VFR integration | FAA handbook | PHAK Chapter 16 | GPS and RAIM, VFR GPS use, and GPS preparation, pp. 16-31–16-33 | Formal two-pass source review passed 2026-09-20 |
| Radar traffic and VFR assistance | FAA operational guidance and controller procedures | Aeronautical Information Manual and FAA Order JO 7110.65BB | AIM radar traffic information, VFR assistance, terminal radar service, and transponder operation; JO 7110.65BB VFR code assignment and radar identification | Formal two-pass source review passed 2026-09-20 |
| ADS-B and TIS-B traffic awareness | FAA operational guidance | Aeronautical Information Manual | ADS-B services and TIS-B capability and limitations | Formal two-pass source review passed 2026-09-20 |
| ADS-B In client relationship | FAA program guidance | ADS-B Capabilities: Ins and Outs | ADS-B In, TIS-B client conditions, ADS-R, and traffic reception | Formal two-pass source review passed 2026-09-20 |
| Sentry equipment reference | Manufacturer documentation | ForeFlight Sentry Pilot's Guide | Traffic-source indications and limitations | Formal two-pass source review passed 2026-09-20 |
Correction status
Corrections and source updates are recorded in the episode production log before a revised version is published. Submit a source correction through the repository issue form or email [email protected]. Do not send credentials, private documents, or personal flight information.