How can you conduct a pre-flight inspection of navigation aids?

1 VOR check

VOR stands for very high frequency omnidirectional range, and it is a radio-based navigation aid that provides magnetic bearing information to and from a station. To check the VOR accuracy, you can use one of the following methods: a ground check at a designated location, an airborne check over a prominent landmark, or a dual VOR check with another aircraft. The VOR check should be done within 30 days of an IFR flight, and the maximum allowable error is 4 degrees. You should record the date, place, bearing error, and signature of the VOR check in your aircraft logbook.

2 DME check

DME stands for distance measuring equipment, and it is a radio-based navigation aid that provides slant range distance information to and from a station. To check the DME accuracy, you can use one of the following methods: a ground check at a designated location, an airborne check over a known distance, or a dual DME check with another aircraft. The DME check should be done within 30 days of an IFR flight, and the maximum allowable error is 0.5 nautical miles or 3% of the distance, whichever is greater. You should record the date, place, distance error, and signature of the DME check in your aircraft logbook.

3 ADF check

ADF stands for automatic direction finder, and it is a radio-based navigation aid that provides relative bearing information to and from a station. To check the ADF accuracy, you can use one of the following methods: a ground check at a designated location, an airborne check over a known heading, or a dual ADF check with another aircraft. The ADF check should be done within 30 days of an IFR flight, and the maximum allowable error is 10 degrees. You should record the date, place, bearing error, and signature of the ADF check in your aircraft logbook.

4 GPS check

GPS stands for global positioning system, and it is a satellite-based navigation aid that provides position, velocity, and time information. To check the GPS accuracy, you can use one of the following methods: a self-test function on the GPS receiver, a RAIM check on the GPS receiver, or a cross-check with other navigation aids. The GPS check should be done before every flight, and the maximum allowable error depends on the type of operation and the GPS equipment. You should follow the manufacturer's instructions and the FAA regulations for the GPS check, and report any anomalies or malfunctions to the appropriate authority.