When en route from DBS VORTAC to JAC VOR/DME on V520, when should you change VOR frequencies?

The appropriate time to change VOR frequencies while en route on airways is determined by the distance from the VOR you are currently receiving or the next VOR you need to tune into. As you travel along a specific route such as V520, it is standardized to switch to the next VOR frequency approximately 60 nautical miles out from that VOR, ensuring ample time to acquire a strong signal before reaching the waypoint.

In this context, changing the VOR frequency 60 NM from DBS VORTAC allows for a smooth transition to the next identified VOR/DME, considering signal propagation, and gives pilots time to confirm the accuracy of their navigation. By adhering to this distance, pilots also align with best practices for in-flight navigation, avoiding the risk of losing signal or confusion when nearing the transition points on the airway.

Other options may suggest changing frequencies too early or without regard to the established protocol of approximately 60 NM, which could lead to navigational challenges. This emphasizes the importance of understanding distance-based transitions in instrument flight for effective navigation.