Definition
An RNAV path terminator leg type in which the aircraft flies a specified magnetic heading until it intercepts a defined VOR radial. The leg ends the moment the aircraft crosses that radial, regardless of position or distance flown along the heading.
Plain English
Fly a set compass heading until you cross a specific line coming out of a VOR station. As soon as you cross that line, the leg is finished and the next leg begins.
Context Anchor
Seen in RNAV and instrument procedure coding, especially when a procedure is described by path-and-terminator leg types.
Derivation
The two-letter codes used for RNAV legs come from the ARINC 424 standard, where the first letter describes the path (V = heading, vector) and the second letter describes the terminator (R = radial). So VR literally reads as 'heading to a radial.'
Why Pilots Care
Because the leg ends only when the radial is crossed, wind drift can carry the aircraft well off the intended ground track if the pilot or autopilot does not adjust for it. Knowing the leg type helps you understand what the FMS is doing and when to expect the turn to the next leg.
Grounding Statement
Picture holding one steady direction until you cross a marked line drawn outward from a navigation station.
Intuition Check
Do not read heading here as a title or label; it means the direction the aircraft is pointed to fly. Do not read radial as a general spoke on a wheel; in this context it is a navigation line extending outward from a station.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff, the SID called for a VR leg: fly heading 090 until intercepting the 060 radial from the VOR, then turn to join the next segment.
Example Sentence 2
Maintain a heading of 180 until crossing the 090 radial as specified on the VR leg.