What it is: VOR stands for Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range. In sim flying, you tune the station frequency in a NAV radio, identify it by Morse code if modelled, and use the CDI or HSI to see your position relative to a chosen course.
In practice: During a flight, a VOR is used to navigate airways, join or fly instrument procedures, or simply hold a route without relying on GPS. You select the frequency, centre the needle with the OBS or course selector, and then track inbound or outbound while watching whether you have a TO or FROM indication. That means correcting for wind, choosing the correct radial, and understanding that the needle shows left-right course deviation rather than direct heading guidance. Many aircraft in MSFS, X-Plane and Prepar3D support VOR navigation, from basic trainers to older airliners.
Key considerations:
- A radial is defined from the station, so tracking inbound on a route often means flying the reciprocal course.
- VOR reception depends on line of sight, so signal range can drop at low altitude or behind terrain.
- Some add-ons simulate station identification and signal realism, so tuning the right beacon matters.
