Which factor most directly affects VOR signal reception?

• A. Line of sight and altitude of VOR station
• B. Aircraft speed
• C. Wind conditions
• D. Time of day

Answer: (A)

VOR reception depends on a clear line-of-sight path between the aircraft and the VOR transmitter. VOR signals are in the VHF range, so they travel mainly by line of sight; obstacles such as terrain or terrain-induced shadowing can block or degrade the signal. The higher you fly (and the higher the transmitter sits), the farther the line-of-sight reaches and the less likely terrain will block the signal. That direct relationship with line-of-sight is why altitude considerations are the key factor for whether you can receive the VOR.

Wind, time of day, and aircraft speed don’t directly change the reception of a VOR signal. Wind and time of day don’t significantly affect VHF propagation, and the signal is continuously transmitted regardless of speed, so speed doesn’t alter whether the receiver can pick it up.