Worth installing a VOR for VFR ops?

[wickedsprint]

So to those that fly VFR a lot, how often are you using VORs as backup? I know when I rent I am usually in mostly familiar areas so I am content to use the GPS for direct to courses and not bother with the VOR. Is it worth the extra few grand to have working VOR for someone who will fly strictly VFR? Aren't they phasing it out anyhow? My mission will be fun flying mixed with some longer cross country flights..so I was almost thinking a second GPS with an aviation database might be more useful..ie a 250Xl with a 495..or something along those lines.

[JDRhodes]

I wouldn't. Get a second GPS if you want a back-up. Or a map!

[rv9av8tr]

If you truly will only fly VFR then spend the money on a good GPS instead. I flew my Long-EZ ALL OVER the US with only a Garmin 195! Never turned on a VOR except to see if it even still worked.

[sjhurlbut]

Forget about the VOR for VFR nav. Get a good GPS. If you want to follow a VOR radial just dial in the VOR identifier and the required track on the GPS.

Steve
7A

[Scott Hersha]

I agree. You don't need a VOR if you're never going to fly IFR. It's costly, has an ugly antenna and not as useful as a GPS. If you want a back-up, get a second inexpensive hand-held GPS. You may want to plan for a possible VOR/ILS reciever while you are building, in case you change your mind and want to go IFR later. I did this by building a doubler in to the belly of my RV-8 back by the tail with a small hole where I would drill for the antenna. Then I ran a coax cable with a BNC on it to make installation easy. The other end of the cable terminates behind my panel in a coil - with ne end on it for now - to be connected if I so choose in the future.

Scott

[frankh]

I never end up using VOR even for IFR flight..Note the FAA is propsing to dismantle the VOR network as IFR GPS's have their locations installed in them anyway.

I guess they will be virtual VOR's at that point.

Frank

[gasman]

You can fly VOR's with your gps. At least you can with a AIRMAP 600c.

[wickedsprint]

So it seems there is no vote for a VOR install, however I agree prudent to consider the room for future expansion should I decide to go that route. I would probably go wingtip ant though as I hate adding drag if I can avoid it, after all these planes are made to boogy.

[the_other_dougreeves]

GPS. Only possible exception is somewhere that you need to follow a lot of VOR radials - SoCal basin, for example - and that's easier with a VOR than GPS - or if you want to be able to practice LOC and/or GPS approaches, but you said VFR.

TODR

[n5lp]

I don't think it is a compelling reason, but there are still quite a few places where the only communication with Flight Service is through a VOR station.