Definition
A geographical position on a route or approach that is identified and defined by a specific distance, in nautical miles, from a Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) ground station, usually combined with a specific radial or course from a VOR or other navigation aid.
Plain English
A point in the sky pinpointed by how far you are from a ground-based navigation station, usually paired with a direction from that station.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument charts, route descriptions, approach procedures, and air traffic control instructions.
Derivation
DME stands for Distance Measuring Equipment, a system that measures slant-range distance between the aircraft and a ground station. 'Fix' is an old navigation term meaning a known, fixed position. Together: a fixed position defined by a measured distance.
Why Pilots Care
Provides a reliable, non-GPS method to confirm position, start descent, or comply with holding instructions during instrument flight.
Grounding Statement
If the chart says the fix is at 8.0 nautical miles on a specified course, you reach the DME Fix when the distance readout and your course position match that charted point.
Intuition Check
Do not read fix as repair. In aviation navigation, a fix is a known position.
Example Sentence 1
ATC instructed the pilot to hold at the 12 DME fix on the 090 radial of the VOR.
Example Sentence 2
ATC instructed us to hold at the 15-mile DME fix on the inbound course.