How to Decode an Airport VOR Identifier — A Beginner's Guide

When you tune your NAV radio to a VOR frequency, you'll hear a repeating Morse code pattern in the background audio. This is the station's identifier — typically a three-letter code that matches the station's designation on your aeronautical chart.

Every VOR in the world has a unique three-letter identifier. JFK (New York), LHR (London Heathrow), DXB (Dubai), CDG (Paris Charles de Gaulle) — these are not just airport codes. They're the actual Morse identifiers that the VOR transmits, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, automatically.

Step 1: Know your expected identifier. Before tuning, check your chart for the station's three-letter code. For example, the JFK VOR is identified as "JFK" — which in Morse is ·−−− (J), ··−· (F), −·− (K).

Step 2: Listen for the pattern. The identifier repeats every 10 seconds (for VORs) or every 15 seconds (for some NDBs). You'll hear a brief pause, then the three-letter sequence, then silence until the next repetition.

Step 3: Match what you hear. If the Morse pattern matches your expected identifier, the station is confirmed. If it doesn't match — or if you hear no identifier at all — do not rely on that station for navigation. A VOR that stops transmitting its identifier is considered unreliable and must not be used.

Here are some major airport VOR identifiers with their Morse patterns. Practice these until you can recognize them by ear:

JFK (New York): ·−−− ··−· −·− | LHR (London): ·−·· ···· ·−· | DXB (Dubai): −·· −··− −··· | CDG (Paris): −·−· −·· −−· | SIN (Singapore): ··· ·· −· | HND (Tokyo): ···· −· −·· | LAX (Los Angeles): ·−·· ·− −··−

Notice that some letters are much easier to recognize than others. "E" (·) and "T" (−) are the simplest. "Y" (−·−−) and "Q" (−−·−) are more complex. Focus on the letters in your local airport codes first.

ILS localizers use a similar system but with "I-" prefix. The JFK ILS runway 4R is identified as "I-JFK" — transmitted as ·· (I), then ·−−− ··−· −·− (JFK). The "I-" prefix tells you immediately that you're listening to an ILS rather than a VOR.

Marker beacons use continuous patterns rather than letter codes. The Outer Marker (4-6 miles from the runway) sends continuous dashes at 2 per second — a low-pitched, steady tone. The Middle Marker (0.5 miles out) alternates dots and dashes at a higher pitch. The Inner Marker (at decision height) sends rapid dots at a high pitch.

These patterns are so distinctive that experienced pilots can identify their position on approach by sound alone, without looking at the marker beacon indicator lights. This is Morse code functioning as a pure audio navigation system — exactly as it was designed in the 1930s.

The best way to learn VOR identification is to practice with real airport codes. Use Morsely's Name-in-Morse tool to generate the Morse pattern for any airport code, then practice listening to it at 15-20 WPM until it's automatic.

Morsely's Koch Method trainer is ideal for building the underlying letter recognition skills. Start with the letters E, T, I, M, A, N — these are the most common in airport codes worldwide. Add letters as you master each one.

Once you're comfortable with individual letters, practice with three-letter combinations. Set Morsely's translator to play any three-letter string and practice identifying it before the visual output appears. This is exactly the skill you'll use in the cockpit.