Simple non-GPS VOR to VOR flights?

Charts General
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I’m primarily trying to hone my flying skills by setting up short flight plans that use VOR navigation, as I’m trying to avoid the “get in, press autopilot” style of flying. Not saying that piloting a 737 is easier than flying a Cessna, its just that I dont know enough about how to set up scenarios with those large planes to keep me busy so figured I’d start with the old school basics like VOR nav.

I’m encountering difficulties in setting up simple routes with Simbrief and Charts that don’t require GPS. After creating a route using the VOR only option, I import the flight into Charts, and then I’m tempted to experiment with selecting approaches, procedures, departure runways, etc., which seem to be some of the benefits of using these programs.

However, everything appears to be tailored for airline jets, and I’m struggling to find a straightforward workflow that allows me to do some manual flying. I’m looking to set up some general aviation routes that take me from an airport, through a couple of VORs, and into an ILS approach, but the software isn’t making this as easy as I thought it would. If I select VOR only in Simbrief, shouldn’t Charts have a way of enforcing those options and suggest approaches based on how the flight plan has been set up thus far? Once I start experimenting with things in Charts trying to select runways and approaches, my Departure waypoints indicate that they’re VFR which is confusing. I know I’m sounding like a bratty noob so apologies to all you proper pilots out there reading this.

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No one answered. Strange. Same question here.

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Navigating VOR to VOR flights and setting up manual flying scenarios can indeed be a bit challenging, especially when transitioning from automated flight planning tools that are optimized for modern airliner operations. Here’s a simplified guide to help you set up VOR to VOR flights and integrate ILS approaches without relying on GPS:
Understanding VOR Navigation
VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) is a type of short-range radio navigation system for aircraft.
It enables an aircraft to determine its position and stay on course by receiving radio signals transmitted by a network of fixed ground radio beacons.

Steps for Setting Up a VOR to VOR Flight Plan

  1. Choose Your Route:

    • Select an airport of departure and destination.
    • Identify VOR stations along the route. You can use aviation charts or online tools to find VOR locations.

  2. Plan Your Flight:

    • Note down the frequencies and identifiers of each VOR station you plan to use.
    • Plan the route so that you fly from one VOR to the next until you reach your destination.

  3. Use SimBrief for VOR Routing:

    • In SimBrief, create a new flight plan.
    • When selecting routing options, choose the “VOR only” routing method.
    • SimBrief will generate a route that connects VOR stations along your flight path.

  4. Manual Adjustments in SimBrief:

    • Review the route generated by SimBrief. Make sure it includes all desired VORs and adjust if necessary.
    • Export the flight plan for use in your flight simulator.

Importing and Adjusting in Charts

  1. Import the Flight Plan:

    • Import the VOR-only flight plan into your Charts application.
    • Verify that all VOR waypoints are correctly displayed.

  2. Selecting Approaches:

    • Manually select an ILS approach for your destination airport. Charts might default to more automated procedures, so you may need to manually adjust this.

3.Avoiding Automated Suggestions:

  • Ignore GPS waypoints or automated suggestions that may be presented by Charts. Stick to the VOR waypoints and the manually selected ILS approach.

Common Issues and Solutions

  • VFR Waypoints: If Charts indicates VFR waypoints, double-check that your flight plan is set to IFR (Instrument Flight Rules), which is necessary for using VOR and ILS navigation.
  • Approach Procedures: Ensure that your selected approach aligns with the end of your VOR routing. You might need to manually input the transition points for the ILS approach.
  • Runway Selection:Confirm that the runway and approach you select in Charts matches the conditions at the destination airport.

Practical Tips

  • Practice Makes Perfect: Start with short flights between two airports to get accustomed to manual VOR navigation and ILS approaches.
  • Use Real Charts:Utilize sectional charts and approach plates to familiarize yourself with the VOR locations and ILS procedures.
  • Stay Updated: Ensure that your navigational database in the flight simulator is current to match real-world VOR stations and frequencies.

Additional Resources

  • VOR Navigation Tutorials: Look for online tutorials or flight simulator manuals that explain VOR navigation in detail.
    Flight Sim Communities: Join online forums or communities where you can ask for advice and share experiences with other flight sim enthusiasts.

By focusing on these steps, you should be able to set up and enjoy manual VOR to VOR flights, enhancing your flying skills without relying heavily on automated systems.