Plain English Meaning

A VOR ground station that sits away from the airport, not on it. The instrument approach uses this nearby station to guide you toward the runway.

Full Definition

A VOR navigation facility that is not located on the airport being served, but is positioned somewhere along the approach path or in the surrounding area. The approach is built around this off-field station, so the final approach course is defined by a radial from the VOR rather than by a station sitting on the airport itself.

Context Anchor

Seen when reading or flying a VOR instrument approach in which the VOR facility is located away from the airport being approached.

Derivation

“Off-airport” means away from the airport property or not located on the airport. “VOR” comes from “”: “” is the , “” means it can be used in all directions around the station, and “” is an older word for a aid. Together, the phrase points to a VOR facility positioned away from the airport it serves.