Definition
A ground-based radio navigation station that transmits signals in the very high frequency band (108.0 to 117.95 MHz), allowing a properly equipped aircraft to determine its bearing to or from the station along any of 360 selectable courses called radials. The station radiates two signals -- one constant reference and one that varies with direction -- and the aircraft's receiver compares them to identify which radial the aircraft is on relative to magnetic north at the station.
Plain English
A radio beacon on the ground that lets a pilot know which direction they are from the station, measured like the spokes of a wheel running outward in every direction. The pilot tunes the station, picks a direction line, and the cockpit instrument shows whether the aircraft is on that line, left of it, or right of it.
Context Anchor
Seen on navigation charts, in instrument procedures, and when selecting or identifying a VOR navigation source in the aircraft.
Derivation
Very High Frequency refers to the radio band used (30 to 300 MHz). Omnidirectional comes from Latin omnis meaning all, combined with directional -- meaning the station broadcasts usable signals in every direction, not just along a single beam. Range here means a navigation aid that defines courses through the air, an older sense of the word carried over from earlier low-frequency range stations.
Why Pilots Care
Supplies reliable directional guidance and position information that does not depend on GPS, serving as a primary or backup navigation reference.
Analogy
Think of a VOR like a lighthouse that broadcasts 360 invisible spokes outward. The aircraft's receiver tells the pilot which spoke they are sitting on at any moment.
Grounding Statement
Picture a fixed radio point on the ground that lets the aircraft tell where it is in relation to that point.
Intuition Check
“Range” here does not mainly mean distance. It refers to a radio navigation system that gives direction information from a fixed ground station.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff, the pilot tuned the VOR, identified the Morse code ident, and turned to intercept the 270 radial outbound.
Example Sentence 2
During the instrument flight, the crew cross-checked their position using two Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range Stations to confirm they were on the airway centerline.