Definition
A ground-based radio navigation system, operating in the very high frequency band (108.0 to 117.95 MHz), that transmits signals in every direction from a fixed station. An aircraft receiver uses these signals to determine its bearing to or from the station, allowing the pilot to fly directly along any selected course (radial) to or from that station.
Plain English
A radio beacon on the ground that broadcasts signals in all directions. An aircraft receiver reads those signals and tells the pilot which direction the station lies, so the pilot can fly toward it, away from it, or along a chosen line out from it.
Context Anchor
Seen on navigation radios, aeronautical charts, route descriptions, and instrument procedures, usually shortened to VOR.
Derivation
VHF refers to 'very high frequency,' the radio band the system uses. 'Omnidirectional' comes from the Latin omnis ('all') and 'directional,' meaning the signal goes out in all directions. 'Range' here means a navigation aid that defines a usable area of coverage. Put together, it describes a station that sends navigation signals out in every direction over a wide area.
Why Pilots Care
Supplies precise directional information pilots rely on to hold course and complete instrument approaches without visual references.
Intuition Check
Do not read range here as “how far the airplane can go.” In this term, range means a radio navigation aid that provides direction information.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff, the pilot tuned the VHF omnidirectional range frequency for the next station along the route and tracked outbound on the 270 radial.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach briefing the crew identified the inbound radial from the VHF omnidirectional range beacon.