Description. The Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Range (VOR) is a ground-based electronic system that provides azimuth information for high and low altitude routes and airport approaches.

VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) is a foundational radio navigation system that has guided pilots since the 1950s. It consists of ground-based stations that broadcast VH radio signals in 360 degrees, like the spokes of a wheel. Each "spoke" is called a radial, representing a specific magnetic compass heading from the station. In the cockpit, a VOR receiver identifies which radial the plane is currently on, allowing the pilot to determine their exact position relative to the ground beacon. In 2026, while GPS (GNSS) is the primary method of navigation, VOR remains a critical "Minimum Operational Network" (MON) backup. If GPS signals are jammed or fail, pilots can still navigate the "highways in the sky" by hopping from one VOR station to the next. Some VORs are paired with DME (Distance Measuring Equipment), which also tells the pilot exactly how many miles they are from the station. For a student pilot, mastering the "Course Deviation Indicator" (CDI) needle to stay centered on a VOR radial is a rite of passage that ensures they can navigate safely even in the total absence of modern satellite-based technology.