What information does a VOR provide to pilots?

A VOR, or VHF Omnidirectional Range, is a ground-based radio navigation system that provides pilots with specific navigational data. The critical information provided by a VOR includes both heading (the direction to fly) and the distance from the VOR station. When a pilot tunes into a VOR frequency, they can determine their position related to the station by observing the radial from which the signal is being received.

VOR systems emit signals that allow the aircraft to determine the bearing (or heading) to or from the VOR station. Additionally, some VOR stations are equipped with DME (Distance Measuring Equipment), which assists in determining the distance to the station as well. This information is vital for navigation, allowing pilots to navigate effectively along airways and to accurately approach or depart from airports.

The other options listed do not pertain to what a VOR provides. For example, altitude information is derived from altimeters, wind data comes from meteorological sources, and temperature and pressure are obtained from various other instruments and sensors, but not from a VOR system. Thus, the answer related to heading and distance accurately reflects the operational capabilities of a VOR in aviation navigation.