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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ifr-vor-airborne-6

When using an airborne VOR checkpoint, what is the maximum permitted bearing error?

Plus or minus 6 degrees.

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  1. Plus or minus 4 degrees
  2. Plus or minus 6 degrees ✔
  3. Plus or minus 10 degrees

Why: Airborne checkpoints are used when no test signal or ground checkpoint is available. 91.171 allows plus or minus 6 degrees for these checks.

Huh, didn't know that: You can also pick a prominent ground point under a published radial, preferably more than 20 nautical miles from the VOR.

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References

Answer: Plus or minus 6 degrees. Airborne checkpoints are used when no test signal or ground checkpoint is available. 91.171 allows plus or minus 6 degrees for these checks.

  1. 14 CFR 91.171 VOR equipment check for IFR operations www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/91.171
    the maximum permissible bearing error is plus or minus 6 degrees
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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