CPL Flight Test & VOR tracking

[TimHaigh]

I wish to take my CPL(H) flight test in my own helicopter, but it does not have a VOR. I understand that I need to fly a VOR track as part of the test and I have been informed that I cannot use the simulated VOR on the GPS. We have also tried using a hand hald radio, but without success. Has anyone else experienced this issue and can anyone suggest any alternatives or ideas? Thanks

[Noiseboy]

You can do the test in separate flights, so you will need to use another machine for the VOR part of the test, there is nothing to stop you using your machine for the handling and nav parts of the test.

[misterbonkers]

1) Fit a VOR in your aircraft - probably more expensive option than;

2) Hire another aircraft with a VOR in it or;

3) Find someone who has a VOR in their aircraft and trade hours on your machine so you can use it for you CPL(H) LST - make sure the insurance is all tickety boo though!

4) It doesn't have to be a VOR - you can do it with an ADF which may or may not give you more options.

What aircraft type do you own?

[EN48]

Quite a few of the aviation handheld transceivers (ICOM, Sporty's, Vertex/Yaesu etc) have built in VOR receivers. Perhaps one of these would be allowed? Can buy one for about $300 U.S. or perhaps borrow one.

[TimHaigh]

The helicopter is a B206 Jetranger. I had a quote of £7,060 to fit a VOR in the aircraft. We also tried fixing a handheld Icom IC-A24E Transceiver with VOR capability to the top of the instrument panel, but it gave spurious and unintelligible readings. But I am informed that examiner will also require us to ident the VOR as well, which leads to complications trying to get the audio output through the headsets!

[misterbonkers]

See Standard Doc 7(H).

An ADF can be used instead of a VOR.

You are required to demonstrate you can tune in, identify (using your extensive knowledge of Morse!), and track a VOR/NDB.

An audio feed from your handheld to one of the rear sockets would probably suffice. Speak to Fred Cross to clarify.

The VOR is on the NAV section so I'm pretty you can't simply jump into a different machine for the VOR part.

Most Jetrangers have an ADF or VOR so swapping hours on machines or hiring a different one is looking the best bet! You can use one machine for the NAV section, take a break and then jump in yours for the rest (if people are reluctant to lend you a machine for the SEOLs).

You might also find the following helpful (if your haven't already read it);

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/SRG_FCL_03_H.PDF

[EN48]

We also tried fixing a handheld Icom IC-A24E Transceiver with VOR capability to the top of the instrument panel, but it gave spurious and unintelligible readings. But I am informed that examiner will also require us to ident the VOR as well, which leads to complications trying to get the audio output through the headsets!


I am confident that with a bit of fiddling you can get this to work well enough to suffice for the few minutes necessary for the flight test. Most transceivers have headset adapters available which may help with this issue. Using a "remote" mount antenna taped to the windshiled (inside) or similar would likely make the VOR signal useable. Perhaps the examiner will let you tune and identify several VORs on the ground to demonstrate that you know how to do this. The bigger question might be whether the examiner is flexible enough to allow some improvisation, given that the likelihood of ever using a VOR (in a VFR helicopter) in this age of the GPS is quite low.

I checked current prices on a handheld transceiver with VOR capability and found a Vertex model for $220 U.S.

[puntosaurus]

We've had many discussions with Fred on this issue and I think you'll find that they are pretty rigid in their interpretation of the standards document where it says2.2.7 Radio navigation equipment should be installed including at least one VOR or ADF receiver
Fred's view is that installed means more than stuck on with a piece of gaffer tape. That's just a view and the standards document isn't law though, so you're welcome to challenge it, but everyone else just rolled over so be prepared.

[Hughes500]

Put a Garmin SL30 instead of one of your radios. It is a nav com with built in vor and cdi. Cost is about £ 2k plus fitting. Sell the spare radio ( King KY196 probably) for about £ 500 job done

[cyclic flare]

simular problem with PPL training just had to fit a KX155 with a KI208 basically Nav com with indicator for £4700.00 + vat Ouch

[DennisK]

Since a knowledge of Morse is not a requirement in the EASA PPL(H) syllabus, how is the candidate expected to 'ident' the VOR? Just a trifle intrigued! Dennis K

[Jarvy]

You must have a chart and idents are on the chart.

[Whirlygig]

I learned the sound pattern of the three local ones for the skill test.

Cheers

Whirls