VOR (VHF omnidirectional range)
Radio & navigation
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A VOR is a ground radio beacon in the 108–117.95 MHz band that lets pilots determine their bearing (radial) from the station. It remains a backup to GNSS navigation.
- German term
- VOR (UKW-Drehfunkfeuer)
- Abbr.
- VOR
You tune and identify the station by its Morse code, select a course and fly to or from it using the course deviation indicator. Many VORs are being decommissioned as navigation moves to GNSS.
In practice
Always identify the Morse code before using a VOR — a missing ident can mean the station is under maintenance.
Related terms
Official sources
Content reviewed: 2026-11
For general information only. Always use official sources, your aircraft's flight manual and current national rules for flight decisions.