FAA Ground School Practice Test

What does the radial 320° from a VOR indicate regarding the aircraft's heading?

1. The plane is approaching the VOR station

2. The plane is departing the VOR station

3. The plane is directly over the VOR station

4. The plane is 320° from the VOR station

The correct answer is: The plane is 320° from the VOR station

The radial 320° from a VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) indicates that the aircraft is located on that specific line of navigation that extends outward from the VOR station at an angle of 320° from true north. This means that if you were to draw an imaginary line from the VOR station at the 320° mark, the aircraft's position would be somewhere along that line, at a distance from the VOR station. Understanding this concept is crucial for navigation since it helps pilots determine their position relative to the VOR and assists in route planning and course corrections. When referring to a specific radial, it does not provide information about the aircraft's heading, whether it is approaching, departing from, or directly over the VOR. Therefore, the interpretation that the aircraft is 320° from the VOR station accurately conveys this radial's meaning concerning the aircraft's position in relation to the navigation aid.