(Koopas Ly) wrote in message . com...
Hi all,

What is meant by reverse sensing?

Say I am southeast of the VOR station, and want to head straight to
that station in a northwest direction, at a heading of 300. I tune
and identify, and currently track the 300 radial (300 on the OBS),
with a "TO" indication, and the needle centered. If I wander to the
right of my course, the needle will swing to the left, so I'll turn a
few degrees to the left and rejoin the 300 radial.



If you're Southeast of the station, and are flying toward the station,
it is the 120 degree radial you are flying, not the 300. The 300
radial only exists northwest of the VOR; the 120 exists southeast of
the VOR.

First, am I tracking the 300 inbound radial or the 300 outbound
radial? What is the proper terminology?


You are tracking the 120 degree radial; there is no
inbound/outbound distinction. VOR is a position instrument. The fact
that you are tracking the 120, with your OBS set at 300 is what
produces the "TO" flag on your omni head display.

Second, what if, instead of heading 300, I was heading 120. In other
words, what if I was heading in the exact reciprocal direction with
the OBS still at 300 and a "TO" indication? I assert that the needle
would still be centered; however, how would someone know that he's
indeed headed TOWARDS the station and not away from it?


If your OBS is set at 300, and you have a "TO" indication, and your
heading is 120, you are flying AWAY from the station.
This would be where the "Reverse sensing" you describe would take
place.
To track the radial, you would fly away from the needle.

Thanks!
Alex

Hope this Helps

Thomas Lembessis

ATP, F/E (B-727)