VOR
Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Aviation
| Stands for | VHF omnidirectional range |
|---|---|
| Categories | Transportation & Travel |
VOR stands for VHF omnidirectional range, an aviation abbreviation.
Ground radio beacon that transmits 360 radials, letting an aircraft determine its magnetic bearing from the station. VORs operate between 108.0 and 117.95 MHz and for decades defined the US Victor airways and jet routes; they remain a backup to GPS.
Example: Intercept the 090 radial outbound from the VOR and join Victor 16 eastbound.
Usage notes
Deployed across the US from the late 1940s. Under its Minimum Operational Network program, the FAA is shutting down several hundred VORs while keeping enough that an aircraft losing GPS is within about 100 nautical miles of an airport with a non-GPS approach. Stations identify themselves in Morse code, and pilots must confirm the identifier before relying on the signal.
Related abbreviations
More aviation abbreviations
- V1 – Takeoff decision speed
- V2 – Takeoff safety speed
- VASI – Visual approach slope indicator
- VFR – Visual flight rules
- VMC – Visual meteorological conditions
- Vne – Never-exceed speed
- VORTAC – VOR combined with TACAN (tactical air navigation)
- VR – Rotation speed
- Vref – Reference landing speed
- VTOL – Vertical takeoff and landing
- Vx – Best angle of climb speed
- Vy – Best rate of climb speed