Definition
The Meter Reference Element is the specific fix, point, or arrival element along an aircraft's route that air traffic control uses as the reference for time-based metering. ATC calculates the time the aircraft should cross this point in order to maintain an orderly flow of traffic into a busy airport, and speed or path adjustments are issued to make that crossing time work.
Plain English
It is the chosen point along your route that controllers use as the timing checkpoint. They figure out when you should cross it to keep arrivals spaced out evenly, then adjust your speed or path so you arrive there at the right moment.
Context Anchor
Seen in air traffic control and traffic-management material, especially discussions of timed arrival flows into busy terminal areas.
Derivation
Meter comes from the Greek metron, meaning a measure. In this context the controller is measuring time, not distance, against a fixed reference point along the route.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures accurate interpretation of distances when operating in airspace or procedures that specify metric references.
Intuition Check
Do not read “meter” here as a physical measuring instrument in the cockpit. In this term, “meter” means timing and regulating aircraft flow through a reference point.
Example Sentence 1
The controller assigned a speed reduction to make the aircraft cross the Meter Reference Element at the planned time.
Example Sentence 2
Flight planning software incorporated the MRE to adjust routing distances for metric-based airspace.