Plain English Meaning

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.

Full 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 .