Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

How many nautical miles does a Low Altitude VOR service volume cover?

1. 25 NM

2. 40 NM

3. 100 NM

4. 130 NM

The correct answer is: 40 NM

The Low Altitude VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) service volume is designed to provide radio navigation guidance for aircraft operating at low altitudes. The standard coverage area for a Low Altitude VOR extends up to 40 nautical miles from the VOR station. This coverage is specifically tailored for aircraft flying below 24,000 feet, ensuring that pilots can reliably receive the VOR signal while navigating through lower altitude airspace, such as during approach and departure operations. Understanding the service volumes of VORs is critical for ensuring safety in navigation, as it allows pilots to plan their routes based on the reception capabilities of the ground stations. Other distances provided in the choices, such as 25 NM, 100 NM, and 130 NM, pertain to different types of VOR service volumes, namely, the Terminal VOR and High Altitude VOR, which serve broader ranges and altitudes.