What does a constant 1/2 scale deflection to the right on the CDI indicate after passing a VORTAC?

A constant 1/2 scale deflection to the right on the Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) after passing a VORTAC indicates that the airplane is flying away from the radial. Specifically, this deflection means that the aircraft is not on the desired course, and the CDI is providing guidance on how much the aircraft is off its intended path.

When you pass the VORTAC, if the needle remains consistently deflected to one side, it suggests that the current track of the aircraft is such that it is not converging towards the radial line associated with the VORTAC. Instead, the 1/2 scale deflection to the right shows that the aircraft is moving away from the radial that it just passed. Essentially, maintaining a steady deflection implies that the aircraft is continuing along a path that is diverging from that radial rather than correcting to return to it.

This understanding is crucial for navigation and maintaining the desired flight path during IFR conditions, where precise tracking is necessary for safety and efficiency.