What are radials?

• A. The aircraft's nose
• B. A station
• C. The runway
• D. A compass

Answer: (B)

Radials are lines extending outward from a VOR navigation aid. Each radial is defined by a specific magnetic bearing from that station, so it points away from the VOR and helps you describe direction relative to that reference point. When you fly on a radial, you’re maintaining a constant bearing from the station, using the VOR as your reference.

The option describing a station is the closest fit because radials are defined in relation to a VOR station—the radials originate from, and are measured from, that station. The other choices don’t fit: radials are not the aircraft’s nose, not the runway, and not the compass itself. On charts, you’ll see lines radiating from the VOR symbol, each labeled with its radial number corresponding to the magnetic bearing from the station.