What does the removal of the identification feature from a VOR station indicate?

The removal of the identification feature from a VOR station indicates that the VOR station is undergoing routine maintenance. During such maintenance activities, the station may be temporarily taken offline or its operational characteristics might change; thus, the identification signal that pilots rely on to confirm the station's operational status is disabled.

Routine maintenance is necessary to ensure that navigational aids like VOR stations continue to function correctly and safely. When the identification feature is not available, it serves as a clear indication for pilots that they should not rely on that VOR station for navigation until the feature is restored and the station is confirmed as operational again. This is crucial for safe flight operations, as pilots depend on these identifiers to confirm their position and navigate accurately.