What is the maximum range of a VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range)?

The maximum range of a VOR station can vary depending on several factors, including the altitude of the aircraft and the surrounding terrain. However, under ideal conditions, the maximum range for standard VOR equipment is typically around 130 nautical miles from the station at a high altitude, which is often rounded to 125 nautical miles in operational contexts. This value accounts for the effective line of sight that allows the VOR signal to reach an aircraft.

Understanding VOR systems is crucial for air traffic control and navigation, as they play a significant role in providing pilots with a reliable reference for direction. The range can decrease in challenging geographic conditions or when at lower altitudes, but the standard maximum effective range is recognized as approximately 125 nautical miles.