Plain English Meaning

Radio navigation stations on the ground that send out signals in every direction, so an aircraft can figure out which direction it is from the station and fly toward or away from it on a chosen line.

Full Definition

Omniranges are ground-based VHF radio navigation stations that transmit signals in every direction (360 degrees), allowing a properly equipped aircraft to determine its bearing to or from the station along any radial. The term is most commonly used as a short form of VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) stations.

Context Anchor

Seen in VOR navigation discussions, especially when describing radio navigation stations, airways, and courses based on signals from ground facilities.

Derivation

Built from 'omni-' (Latin omnis, meaning 'all') and ',' which in radio navigation refers to a station that defines bearings or courses. So an omnirange is a station that provides information in all directions, not just along a fixed as older did.