Plain English Meaning

A radio beacon on the ground that broadcasts signals out in all directions. An instrument in the cockpit reads those signals and tells the pilot which direction the station lies from the aircraft, so the pilot can fly toward it, away from it, or along a chosen line through it.

Full Definition

A ground-based radio navigation aid operating in the 108.0 to 117.95 MHz VHF band that transmits signals in every direction from the station, allowing a properly equipped aircraft to determine its bearing to or from that station along any of 360 selectable courses called radials.

Context Anchor

Seen on navigation displays, course indicators, and instrument procedures when using radio navigation instead of, or along with, .