Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Practice Exam – Free Practice Test & Study Guide

When conducting an airborne VOR check, the omnibearing selector and the TO/FROM indicator should reflect that the course is being tracked accurately if the CDI (Course Deviation Indicator) needle is centered. The FAA standard for VOR accuracy during such checks mandates that the reading should be within 6 degrees of the selected radial. This tolerance is part of ensuring that the navigation system is providing reliable guidance.

This means that, regardless of the aircraft's position relative to the VOR station, as long as the CDI needle is centered, the selected radial must be within that 6-degree margin of the actual radial being flown. It allows for a small error, acknowledging the potential for slight deviations in the VOR signal caused by atmospheric conditions and other factors.

Understanding this standard is critical for pilots to ensure they are maintaining navigational precision and operating within the required safety margins when utilizing VOR navigation.