Definition
Navigation fixes defined by a specific radial (bearing in degrees) and a specific distance (in nautical miles) from a VOR/DME or VORTAC station. The fix is located where that bearing and distance intersect, giving a single, precise point in space.
Plain English
A point in the sky identified by saying 'this many degrees out from the station, this many miles away.' Two numbers — a direction and a distance — pin down exactly where the fix is.
Context Anchor
Seen on IFR charts, airway descriptions, and instrument route information when a point is identified by a radial or bearing plus a mileage value.
Derivation
The name describes how the fix is built: 'degree' refers to the radial (compass bearing from the station), and 'distance' refers to the DME mileage from that same station. Together they form the fix.
Why Pilots Care
Allows precise airway routing and position reporting using existing VOR and DME equipment without new ground stations at every intersection.
Intuition Check
Do not read fixes as repairs. In this term, fixes are known positions on a route. Do not read degree-distance as two separate instructions; together they define one exact point.
Example Sentence 1
The controller cleared us direct to a degree-distance fix located on the 120 radial at 25 miles from the VORTAC.
Example Sentence 2
Controllers often assign degree-distance fixes for position reports when crossing a Victor airway.