In navigation terms, which option best describes a radial?

• A. A magnetic bearing to a VOR station
• B. A magnetic bearing extending from a VOR station
• C. A QDM
• D. A magnetic bearing to or from a VOR station, depending on inbound/outbound

Answer: (B)

Radials are defined as magnetic bearings that extend from a VOR station. In other words, a radial is the line starting at the VOR and going out along a specific magnetic bearing. For example, the 090 radial goes from the station straight toward 090 degrees. It’s a from-the-station reference, not a direction toward the station. That’s why the description that best fits a radial is a magnetic bearing extending from the VOR station.

The other ideas mix up the direction. A bearing to the station describes directions toward the VOR, not along a line that starts at the station. QDM is the magnetic bearing to the station from the aircraft, which is different from a radial. Saying a radial is “to or from” depending on inbound or outbound adds ambiguity, because radials themselves are fixed lines defined from the station outward, regardless of the aircraft’s inbound or outbound course.