Fly the altitude where you are currently. Do not attempt to drop down and climb, yet. Look around to determine if you have any visual references. If you do, begin to climb.
Spread out your sectional to the area where you approximate your location and look for the large blue circles with striation marks. Look to the lower left-hand corner to find the VORTAC frequency codes. Go to the radio and dial the VORTAC frequency and listen for morse code broadcasting. This indicates the VOR is active and online. Find two VORTAC frequency codes for the area.
Go to the VOR instrument gauges. Turn the omni-bearing selector (OBS) until you get the line in the gauge aligned up and down and to the signal. Look at your sectional and at where the VOR is in relation to where you believe you are and draw a line based on the compass bearing where you are and the line coming from the VOR. Draw this on the sectional with the pencil and plotter.
Go to your second VOR frequency and VOR instrument. Align the OMS to the signal and adjust it until the line in the gauge is in a direct up-and-down position. Again, draw the line from the center of this VOR to your approximate position based on reckoning and any compass bearing you have available.
Determine where the two drawn lines intersect on the sectional. This is your near-approximate location (because the aircraft is moving, you need to do this quickly to get as accurate a location as possible.)
Find the coordinates of the location on the sectional using the striations and latitude and longitude markings on the sectional. This is your location. Plot a course to find safe haven and an available airport.
