We learned 14 CFR 91.171-the VOR Check rule-during instrument ground school. In this era of satellites and GNSS, this rule is often overlooked as VORs become just named fixes instead of navigation beacons. Even with the latest navigation equipment, however, 91.171 can rear its head from time to time.
Even in the era of GPS, the VOR check rule (14 CFR 91.171) remains critical, as aircraft may still need to rely on VOR navigation if GPS fails.
Legally compliant VOR receiver errors (e.g., 5 degrees) can translate into significant lateral deviations when far from the VOR, potentially placing an aircraft at the edges of protected airspace with minimal obstacle clearance.
Compounded errors from dual VOR checks can further exaggerate navigational inaccuracies, leading to misidentification of critical approach points like the Final Approach Fix (FAF) and unsafe descents.
Pilots should prioritize VOR accuracy beyond mere legal compliance, considering repairs even if receivers meet regulatory limits, to ensure safety, especially when conducting VOR approaches at significant distances from the station.
We learned 14 CFR 91.171—the “VOR Check” rule—during instrument ground school. In this era of satellites and GNSS, this rule is often overlooked as VORs become just named fixes instead of navigation beacons. Even with the latest navigation equipment, however, 91.171 can rear its head from time to time.
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