Definition
A required operational test that confirms a VOR receiver in the aircraft is indicating bearings within allowable tolerance before the equipment is used for IFR flight. The check must be conducted within the preceding 30 days using one of the FAA-authorized methods: a VOT signal (±4° tolerance), a designated airborne or ground checkpoint (±6° airborne, ±4° ground), a dual VOR cross-check between two independent receivers (within 4° of each other), or an airborne check over a prominent landmark on a published radial. The date, place, bearing error, and pilot's signature must be recorded in the aircraft logbook or other reliable record.
Plain English
A test the pilot performs to make sure the airplane's VOR navigation receiver is reading accurately. It has to be done within the last 30 days before flying on instruments, and the result has to be written down.
Context Anchor
Seen during instrument preflight planning, aircraft log review, and any flight where the pilot plans to rely on VOR navigation in instrument conditions.
Derivation
VOR stands for VHF omnidirectional range. “Omnidirectional” means “in all directions,” which fits the way a VOR station sends usable direction information all around it. “Receiver accuracy check” simply means checking whether the airplane’s receiver is accurately reading that direction information.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures the VOR indications used for course guidance are reliable, reducing the risk of navigation errors during instrument flight.
Intuition Check
Do not read “accuracy check” as just seeing that the VOR needle moves. Here it means comparing the receiver against an approved known reference, confirming the error is within limits, and recording the result.
Example Sentence 1
Before the IFR cross-country, she taxied to the VOT painted on the ramp and performed a VOR receiver accuracy check, logging a 2° error on the airframe logbook page.
Example Sentence 2
Regulations require a VOR receiver accuracy check within the preceding 30 days for any aircraft operating under IFR.