Flight Simulator 98/2000: Description of VOR Functionality (177084)

SUMMARY

This article describes VOR functionality in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 98.

The way in which Navaids, and specifically VORs, are received by the aircraft is somewhat different in Flight Simulator 98 than in earlier versions of Flight Simulator. In earlier versions of Flight Simulator, all VOR signals could be received at a fixed distance. The altitude of the aircraft had no effect on the reception of the VOR.

Because this is not the case in real-life flight, the behavior of the Navaids in Flight Simulator 2000 and Flight Simulator 98 has changed to reflect each Navaid's real-life capabilities. As a result, when you are flying in Flight Simulator 2000 or Flight Simulator 98, your VOR gauges may not receive signals.

As an example, in the Flight Simulator 98 default flight (Meigs Field), you are unable to receive any VOR or ILS data from O'Hare airport while you are on the ground at Meigs Field, even if you tune the navigation radios to O'Hare frequencies. This is because there are too many obstructions on the ground. To receive Navaid signals, you must take off and climb.