Definition
A ground-based navigation aid that transmits a DME signal, allowing properly equipped aircraft to determine their slant-range distance from the station. A DME NAVAID may stand alone or be co-located with a VOR, ILS, or other navigation facility, and it is identified by name, frequency pairing, and station identifier on charts and approach plates.
Plain English
A ground station that lets your aircraft measure how far it is from that station. The aircraft sends a signal, the station replies, and the equipment in the cockpit shows the distance.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument procedure charts and in procedure-leg descriptions when a route segment or position is based on distance from a DME-equipped navigation facility.
Derivation
DME stands for Distance Measuring Equipment. NAVAID is short for navigational aid -- any ground facility that helps an aircraft navigate. Together, the term simply names the navigational aid that provides the distance measurement.
Why Pilots Care
Provides precise distance information used to identify fixes, fly arcs, and manage descent profiles during instrument procedures.
Grounding Statement
The key idea is simple: the aircraft equipment measures how far it is from a specific ground station and displays that distance to the pilot.
Intuition Check
Do not assume a DME NAVAID is any navigation aid that happens to be nearby. It specifically means a navigation facility that can provide DME distance information.
Example Sentence 1
The missed approach instructs the pilot to climb to 3,000 feet and proceed direct to the DME NAVAID before holding.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot cross-checked the position using the DME NAVAID to confirm arrival at the final approach fix.