Definition
The ground-based radio station that broadcasts VOR (Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range) navigation signals on a frequency between 108.0 and 117.95 MHz. Each VOR transmitter sends out 360 distinct radial signals from a fixed surveyed location, allowing aircraft equipped with VOR receivers to determine their bearing to or from the station.
Plain English
A radio station on the ground that sends out navigation signals in every direction. Aircraft pick up these signals and use them to figure out which direction they are from the station.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying and navigation discussions, especially when using or checking a VOR station for course guidance.
Derivation
VOR stands for Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range. 'Omnidirectional' comes from Latin omnis (all) plus 'directional' — signals sent out in all directions. 'Transmitter' is the device that sends (transmits) the signal, as opposed to the receiver in the aircraft that picks it up.
Why Pilots Care
VOR transmitters form the backbone of the airway system and provide the reference signals used for enroute navigation and many instrument approaches.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse the VOR transmitter with the cockpit display. The transmitter is the ground equipment sending the signal; the aircraft equipment receives and shows guidance from it.
Example Sentence 1
After tuning the VOR transmitter's frequency and identifying its Morse code identifier, the pilot centered the needle to track the selected radial.
Example Sentence 2
Technicians performed a ground check on the VOR transmitter to confirm signal accuracy before returning it to service.