Definition
A holding pattern in which the inbound and outbound legs are defined by distances measured from a DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) station rather than by time. The pilot flies the racetrack pattern by reference to specific DME mileage readouts that mark the ends of each leg, instead of timing the legs with a stopwatch.
Plain English
A holding pattern where you fly out and back based on miles from a station, not minutes on a clock. You turn around when the distance reading hits a specific number.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument holding procedures when a chart or clearance gives holding instructions using DME mile points, such as holding at or between certain distances from a station.
Derivation
DME stands for Distance Measuring Equipment, an avionics system that displays the slant-range distance from the aircraft to a ground station. 'Holding' refers to the racetrack pattern flown to delay an aircraft. Together, 'DME holding' simply means holding by distance instead of by time.
Why Pilots Care
Allows precise positioning and consistent leg lengths without relying on a clock or ground references, which improves safety and reduces ATC workload in IFR operations.
Grounding Statement
Picture watching a distance readout count up or down, then turning when it reaches the published mile point.
Intuition Check
DME holding does not mean simply waiting while DME is turned on. It means the holding pattern itself is defined or controlled by specific DME distance readings.
Example Sentence 1
ATC cleared the flight to hold east of the SHEPP intersection on the 090 radial, ten-mile legs, DME holding.
Example Sentence 2
Using DME holding, the pilot flew outbound to the 15-mile point before turning inbound.