How can a pilot determine their position using VOR?

To determine their position using VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range), a pilot tunes the VOR receiver to a specific station and interprets the radial that the receiver indicates. The VOR system provides the pilot with a very accurate and reliable means of navigation. Each VOR station transmits a signal that allows the pilot to determine their bearing relative to the station.

When the pilot tunes into a VOR frequency, the instrument will display a radial, which is one of the 360 degrees that radiate out from the VOR station. By understanding this radial and knowing the location of the VOR on a sectional chart, the pilot can triangulate their position relative to the VOR station. This technique is a fundamental aspect of VOR navigation and is critical for accurate positioning, especially in poor visibility conditions.

While visual cues and other navigation tools like GPS can complement navigation, relying specifically on VOR provides a systematic method for pilots to confirm their location in relation to established airways and broader navigational maps.