Chair flying / VOR Approach (Non-Precision)

VOR Approach (Non-Precision)

Fly a VOR approach to MDA — dive-and-drive done right: configuration, step-downs, timing, and the level-off at minimums.

ATIS/AWOS — weather, runway in use, expect which approach
Altimeter — set current setting; cross-check altimeters
Avionics — tune and IDENTIFY navaids, set courses, load the procedure
Confirm the correct approach is loaded and the sequence matches the chart — waypoints, courses, altitudes.
Approach briefing — brief the chart aloud
Approach name and runway, final approach course, FAF and glidepath intercept altitude, DA or MDA, required visibility, missed approach point and first two steps of the miss, notes and lighting.
Aircraft — descent/approach checklist complete, fuel pump and mixture per checklist

Setup

Tune and IDENTIFY the VOR; twist the final approach course
Level 90 KIAS, 2,100–2,200 RPM before the FAF
Brief the step-downs, MDA, VDP if published, and the timing to the MAP
If the MAP is defined by timing from the FAF, compute time for your groundspeed. Note how the MAP is identified — timing, fix, or navaid.

FAF inbound — flaps as desired, start time, descend 1,700–1,800 RPM“FAF — time, descend”
Descend promptly to each step-down altitude, then to MDA — don't drag it in
A prompt descent to MDA buys time at minimums to spot the runway before the VDP/MAP.
Track the final course within ¾ scale — bracket wind with small cuts
Level at MDA +100/−0 ft — power up to 2,100–2,200 RPM to hold 90 KIAS“Minimums — holding MDA”
Runway environment in sight and a normal descent possible (91.175(c)) → land from the VDP; at the MAP without it → miss“Runway / going missed”