Free VOR Simulator
Practice VOR navigation and ILS indications, one concept at a time.
Connect the map to the instruments
Pilot Rise built this free VOR simulator to make radio navigation visible. See how aircraft position, your selected course, and the instrument indications fit together, then practice on your own or work through a scenario with your instructor.
- See the navigation picture
- Practice course changes
- Explore ILS indications
How do you practice flying a VOR course?
- Choose a station and course
Select a VOR and set the course with the OBS. A radial extends outward from the station.
- Read the full indication
Compare the map, CDI, and TO/FROM flag. The flag relates to the selected course, not the direction the aircraft is pointing.
- Intercept, then track
Turn to intercept the selected course. Once centered, adjust your heading to keep it centered; add wind to practice correcting for drift.
See it first. Then explain it.
Predict which way the needle will move before changing your position or course. Use the map to check your reasoning, then hide the aircraft to practice interpreting the instruments. Your instructor can use the same view to explain a confusing indication.
Sources and further reading
Questions about VOR Simulator
What does the TO/FROM flag mean on a VOR?
For the selected course, TO indicates that following that course leads toward the station; FROM indicates it leads away. It does not tell you which way the aircraft is currently pointing.
Can I practice ILS approaches in this simulator?
Yes. The trainer includes localizer and glideslope views as well as back-course scenarios, so you can relate the indications to the map and vertical profile.
Is the VOR simulator free?
Yes. Pilot Rise provides the public VOR simulator free for independent practice and instructor demonstrations. It is a learning aid, not an FAA-approved training device for logging time.
Put it into practice
Open VOR Simulator to try it for yourself, or explore the rest of the tools we build at Pilot Rise.
