In this highly-interactive course, we will get to know the fundamental radio-navigation aid, the VOR (Very high frequency Omnidirectional Range!). We will learn several basic instrument navigation procedures, and then practice applying them in an online flight simulator (no download needed). Emphasis will be on building a mental picture of the aircraft's position based on cockpit instrument displays--the bedrock skill of instrument flying. We will then discuss instrument approach procedures--that's how pilots can land a plane even in very bad weather with low visibility. Finally, we will take a tour of other common navigation aids in use in aviation today.

No prior knowledge or experience is necessary--just an interest in the topic!

Week 1: VOR function and operation
Week 2: Determining position and cross-tuning
Week 3: Proceed direct to a VOR, Intercepting a VOR course inbound, intercepting a VOR course outbound, and determining "station passage"
Week 4: The VOR approach
Week 5: Localizer and ILS approaches
Week 6: Other types of NAVAIDS