Definition
An RNAV path and terminator leg in which the aircraft flies a specified heading until it intercepts a defined radial from a VOR. The leg ends when the aircraft crosses that radial.
Plain English
Fly a set compass heading until you cross a specific line projected outward from a VOR station, then the leg is finished and the next part of the procedure begins.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument procedure design and navigation database coding, especially when studying path and terminator legs in RNAV and instrument procedure descriptions.
Derivation
In ARINC 424 path-terminator coding, each leg type is given a two-letter code. The first letter describes the path being flown; the second letter describes what ends (terminates) the leg. V stands for heading, and R stands for radial — so VR means 'fly a heading until a radial is crossed.'
Why Pilots Care
Knowing what ends a leg matters. On a VR leg the autopilot or FMS will hold the assigned heading and only turn when the VOR radial is intercepted — not at a distance, not at a fix, not at an altitude. If the pilot expects a different trigger, they may be surprised by where the turn happens.
Intuition Check
Do not read VR as a visual rule or a speed callout here. In this context, VR identifies a procedure leg that ends when the aircraft reaches a specified VOR radial.
Example Sentence 1
After departure, the FMS flew a VR leg, holding 090° until intercepting the 350 radial from the VOR before turning on course.
Example Sentence 2
The approach procedure uses a VR leg to place the aircraft on the correct radial before the next turn.