Whatz the main difference between VOR approach and VOR/DME Approach ?

Question

Whatz the main difference between VOR approach and VOR/DME Approach ?

Answer 1

A VOR approach uses a VOR to provide course information for executing the approach.

A VOR/DME uses a VOR to provide course information and DME for distance information to execute an approach.

The VOR/DME approach will typically give you lower minimum since a stand alone VOR approach can't give you a position fix unless you fly right over it.  This also means that VOR approaches must be full procedure approaches while VOR/DME can be straight in approaches.

Answer 2

The MAIN difference is that for the VOR/DME approach a functional DME is required equipment or you cannot legally initiate the approach. You can also use DME on the VOR approach if it is either a VORTAC or VORDME facility, but it is optional. Obviously, if you had it aboard you would use it.

Answer 3

A VOR/DME approach requires DME in addition to the VOR.  Usually it is to identify the Missed Approach Point (MAP), but not always.

Chapters 7 & 10 in the Instrument flying handbook talks about the systems and the approaches.

http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviat...

An even better source is the FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook -- Start on page 5-59 for VOR approaches.  This is a good book for Instrument Pilots.

http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviat...

Answer 4

For a VOR approach, the turns and ditances are determined by timing. With a VOR/DME approach, distances can be determined using the DME miles.