Plain English Meaning

A radio beacon on the ground that broadcasts signals in every direction. Your aircraft's receiver uses those signals to tell you which direction you are from the station, and helps you fly toward or away from it along a chosen line.

Full Definition

A ground-based radio navigation aid that transmits VHF signals in all directions, allowing a properly equipped aircraft to determine its bearing to or from the station along any one of 360 selectable courses called radials. The aircraft's VOR receiver compares two signals from the station (a reference signal and a variable signal) to compute the radial the aircraft is on, displaying course guidance to the pilot.

Context Anchor

Seen on instrument charts, arrival , and displays when using ground-based radio navigation.