FAA Ground School Practice Test

What is the aircraft's position relative to the station if the VOR receiver shows a north indication?

1. Northwest

2. East

3. North

4. Southwest

The correct answer is: North

When the VOR receiver displays a north indication, it means the aircraft is directly on the radial that is oriented towards the VOR station from the north compass direction. The radial is essentially the line extending outward from the VOR station towards the north. In this scenario, if the VOR shows a north indication, it indicates that the aircraft is positioned directly north of the VOR station itself, aligning on a course towards the station or positioned in a manner that reflects the station's direct north vector. Hence, the aircraft's position relative to the station is accurately described as north. By understanding the function of the VOR system and how radials work, one can identify that a north indication corresponds precisely to a position that is due north of the reference station.