What is the primary disadvantage of VOR navigation?

The primary disadvantage of VOR navigation lies in its line-of-sight reception characteristic. VOR, or VHF Omnidirectional Range, relies on ground stations that emit radio signals, which pilots receive in their aircraft through their VOR receivers. This means that the signals can only be received if there is a direct line of sight between the VOR station and the aircraft.

Obstacles such as terrain, buildings, or even atmospheric conditions can obstruct these signals, potentially rendering the navigation aid useless in certain areas. As a result, pilots must be aware of the effective range of VOR stations and any possible obstructions that might interfere with the reception of signals, especially in mountainous or urban environments. Understanding this limitation is crucial for flight planning and navigation.

While operational costs, limited range, and interference can be issues related to VOR, the intrinsic nature of the line-of-sight characteristic fundamentally defines the usability and reliability of VOR navigation in various flight scenarios.