VOR radials are defined using which principle?

VOR determines azimuth by comparing the phase of a reference signal with a direction-dependent variable signal. The resulting radial is an outward magnetic direction from the station. It is not determined by pulse timing, amplitude comparison, or laser measurement.\n\n**Key takeaway:** VOR bearing information is based on signal-phase comparison.\n\n**Glossary:** **Radial**: magnetic bearing from a VOR station; **azimuth**: horizontal direction.