What is the difference between a VOR approach and a GPS approach?

• A. VOR is radio-navigation-based and may be non-precision or precision; GPS uses satellite navigation and can provide precision approaches
• B. VOR is always precision
• C. GPS requires line of sight
• D. VOR requires GPS backup

Answer: (A)

The main idea is how the approach is guided by the navigation source and the level of guidance it provides. A VOR approach uses ground-based VOR signals to give you lateral navigation to the final approach fix. Most VOR approaches are non-precision, meaning they provide a lateral path and an MDA, with vertical descent not guided by a published glide path. GPS approaches, on the other hand, rely on satellite signals and can deliver more than just lateral guidance. With GPS you can have vertical guidance through approaches like LPV or LNAV/VNAV (and GLS in some systems), offering precision- or near-precision-like minima and a defined glide path.

So, the difference is the navigation source (ground-based radio versus satellite) and the potential for vertical guidance and lower minima with GPS. The other statements aren’t accurate: a VOR approach isn’t inherently precision in the same way as a GLS/LPV-enabled GPS approach, GPS doesn’t strictly require line of sight in the context of distinguishing approach types, and VOR does not require GPS backup.