Definition
A ground-based radio navigation aid that transmits signals on Very High Frequencies (108.0–117.95 MHz) in every direction from a fixed station. An aircraft VOR receiver compares two signals broadcast by the station and determines the aircraft's bearing from the station along one of 360 selectable radials. VORs are used to navigate along defined airways, fly directly to or from a station, and identify position fixes when cross-referenced with another navaid.
Plain English
A radio beacon on the ground that broadcasts in all directions. The receiver in the aircraft uses these signals to tell the pilot which direction the aircraft is from the station, so the pilot can fly toward it, away from it, or along a chosen line out from it.
Context Anchor
Seen in navigation instrument discussions, flight planning, enroute navigation, and instrument procedures that use ground-based navigation stations.
Derivation
VHF refers to Very High Frequency, the radio band the station uses. 'Omni' comes from the Latin omnis, meaning 'all' — the station transmits in all directions. 'Range' here is the older aviation use of the word, meaning a radio navigation station that defines lines of position, not a measure of distance. Together: a VHF station that broadcasts in every direction and provides bearing information to aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
Gives accurate directional guidance independent of distance, supporting position fixes and course tracking when GPS is unavailable or unreliable.
Analogy
Think of a VOR station like the center of a wheel with many invisible spokes reaching outward. The aircraft equipment helps show which spoke you are on and whether you are lined up with the spoke you selected.
Intuition Check
Do not think of a VOR as simply pointing at your destination. It gives guidance based on your position relative to a specific ground station and the course you select.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff, she tuned the VOR to 113.5, identified the Morse code, and tracked the 270 radial outbound toward the next checkpoint.
Example Sentence 2
With the CDI centered, the aircraft flew directly to the VOR station on the 270-degree radial.