Definition
On VOR navigation charts and in the Chart Supplement, the letter H identifies a VOR classified as High altitude. A High-altitude VOR has a published service volume usable from 1,000 feet AGL up to 60,000 feet, with usable distance varying by altitude (40 NM at lower altitudes, expanding to 130 NM and 100 NM in defined altitude bands). The H classification tells the pilot the reception range and altitude envelope they can rely on for that station.
Plain English
The letter H next to a VOR means it is a High-altitude type, which can be received from far away and at high cruising altitudes. It tells you how far from the station you can fly and still get a reliable signal.
Context Anchor
Seen in VOR service-volume discussions, navigation planning, and chart or facility information that labels a VOR as T, L, or H.
Derivation
The H simply stands for High. The FAA grouped VOR stations into three service-volume classes — Terminal, Low, and High — and uses the first letter of each as a shorthand label on charts.
Why Pilots Care
Using the correct VOR class prevents loss of signal when operating above the service limits of lower-altitude facilities.
Intuition Check
Do not read “High altitude” as meaning the VOR itself sits on high ground, or that your airplane is automatically within range. Here it is a facility class that describes the VOR’s intended signal coverage.
Example Sentence 1
The enroute chart showed an H next to the VOR symbol, so the pilot knew the station was usable up to 60,000 feet within its published service volume.
Example Sentence 2
For flights above 18,000 feet, pilots select H class VORs to maintain navigation signal coverage.