Why do pilots use VOR instead of just going in a straight line?

Answer 1

The sky must be organised otherwise aircraft will crash into each other. Some aircraft do fly straight from one point to another, mostly with the help of a GPS and under IFR, or Instrument Flight Rules, such as commercial long distance aircraft, but other light aircraft do fly from one radio beacon to another. Also, when aircraft approach airports and has to maneuver to line up with runways, they use VOR beacons to do so accurately.

Answer 2

Victor airways are straight lines.

Before GPS and RNAV it was the only way of ensuring position accurately.

RNAV systems use a computer to plot out a straight line by comparing signals from VORs and DMEs.

You can also do it in your head using your DME and an RMI, but that's for educational purposes only.

My plane has VORs with no GPS and I use Victor airways all the time VFR. The time difference is neglible compared to the extra situational awareness when flying over the middle of nowhere.

Answer 3

VHF Omni-range radios are navigational beacons to guide you from point A to point B. If you set a course line of 330 degrees to get from A to B. and try to fly the heading to make good that course, the wind will blow you off course. Instead you fly from A to XYZ VOR which is located x miles North or South of B. As long as you keep the needle centered, you will fly directly to the station, regardless of the wind, then continue the short distance to B.
Sometimes if you are going to a controlled field, the approach controller will tell you to fly to the VOR and report, before you are cleared to land.
That is just a simplified explanation, but with a little practice it is not much harder to do.

Answer 4

If you fly in a straight line without any navigation aid you can get blown of course by the wind. Flying with VORs on Victor Airways yo also fly in straight lines but you have instruments that tell you where you are.

Answer 5

A Straight Line is a difficult thing in aviation (pun unintended).
A lot depends on the plotting of the spherical earth's coordinates into your flat map. Then when flying external forces, like crosswinds, will tend to force your aircraft off course and attempting "straight line" would result in a sawtooth pattern or something similar. Its much easier to navigate by pointing your aircraft with reference to a known location on the earth, say a VOR.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

IFR. Flying Victor Airways.

Answer 8

Before GPS it was about the only way to determine where you were with enough accuracy for the flight controllers, and kept you from getting lost.

Answer 9

Here is an example why

Flight 001 is taking off from JFK To Heathrow
Flight 002 is taking off from Heathrow To JFK
Both flights have taken off near anothe at the same time

1/2 way there BANG

Thats why

I hope this has helped


Many thanks


Thomas Wheeler

Answer 10

Do you drive a car or ride a bicycle? Don't tell me you always drive or ride in a straight line to everywhere!!!!!!