What defines an airborne VOR checkpoint?

An airborne VOR checkpoint is defined as being over specific landmarks or airports. This not only ensures that the pilot has a reliable point of reference during flight but also reinforces navigation accuracy. These checkpoints are established at existing geographical locations that pilots can visually recognize or correlate with their navigation instruments, making them effective for verifying the aircraft's position and enhancing situational awareness.

The understanding of airborne VOR checkpoints involves their practical use in navigation, as well as the need for pilots to confirm their position, which is crucial in the Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) environment. Marking these checkpoints over well-known landmarks or airports increases their visibility and reliability.

Other options do not accurately describe the characteristics of airborne VOR checkpoints. While they may be near waypoints, the essential aspect is their alignment with notable geographical features that pilots can identify during their flight. Additionally, the notion that they are at random locations undermines the concept of precision required in aviation navigation. Being located at fixed points in the airspace does not inherently capture the essence of their design for use as visual referencing tools.