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What happens to a VOR course deviation indication if the pilot changes the aircraft heading but not its position?

Choices

  • It does not change, because the indication is independent of headingcorrect

    A VOR reflects position relative to the selected radial, not heading.

  • It reverses immediately

    Heading changes alone do not reverse the CDI.

  • It centers automatically

    The needle centers based on position, not heading.

  • It shows distance to the station

    A basic VOR CDI shows course deviation, not distance.

Why

A VOR indication depends only on the aircraft’s position relative to the selected radial, so changing heading without changing position does not change the deviation indication.

FAA source: AIM 1-1 / PHAK Ch. 16browse the reference library →

This is taught in VOR, GPS and Area Navigation study the lessons free, then practice with grading and mastery tracking.

Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.

What happens to a VOR course deviation indication if the pilot change… · PPL Free Ground School