VOR
VHF Omnidirectional Range
Last updated: April 20, 2026 · Maintained by Aviatr Editorial Team
What is VOR?
A VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) is a ground-based radio navigation beacon broadcasting directional signals in the 108-118 MHz VHF band, allowing aircraft with a VOR receiver to determine their magnetic bearing from the station. VORs form the backbone of conventional European airways and are widely used for en-route navigation and non-precision approaches.
How is VOR used?
A pilot tunes the VOR frequency, confirms the station by its three-letter Morse identifier, then flies to or from the station along any selected radial. En-route airways between VOR stations — named segments such as W4 or UN601 on IFR charts — remain the primary airway structure across much of Europe, though RNAV routes have progressively replaced them over the past two decades. VOR approaches guide aircraft toward runways using a station located near the airport, with the pilot descending along a published profile tracked on the course deviation indicator. Modern RNAV-equipped aircraft may rarely use VORs actively, but EASA regulations require pilots to maintain VOR navigation proficiency as a backup for RNAV outages. EASA IR skill tests require demonstrated VOR navigation competency.