What does the VOR receiver indicate?

The VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) receiver is a critical component of navigation for aircraft. It provides pilots with the bearing to or from a VOR station. The VOR system operates by broadcasting signals in all directions from the VOR ground station, which allows aircraft equipped with VOR receivers to determine their current position concerning the VOR station.

When the pilot tunes the VOR receiver to a specific VOR frequency, they can read the magnetic bearing to the station or, if the receiver is set in a certain way, the bearing from the station. This information is essential for navigating along airways and for situational awareness. It does not indicate altitude, ground speed, or wind direction and speed, which are measured by other instruments and systems in the aircraft. The primary function of the VOR is to provide accurate positioning information, which is why it is fundamental for navigation in controlled airspace.