Definition
A published instrument approach procedure to Runway 34 that uses a VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) station for course guidance and a DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) signal for distance information. The pilot follows a specified radial inbound to the runway while using DME readouts to identify fixes, step-down points, the final approach fix, and the missed approach point.
Plain English
An instrument approach to Runway 34 that lines you up using a ground-based radio station for direction and a distance signal to tell you how far you are from that station. You fly the published track inbound, descending at the published distances, until you either see the runway or fly the missed approach.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts, avionics procedure lists, and cockpit navigation displays when selecting or briefing an approach to Runway 34.
Derivation
The name follows a standard FAA convention: the navigation aids required (VOR and DME) followed by the landing runway (34, meaning a runway aligned roughly 340 degrees magnetic). 'VOR' and 'DME' come from the equipment names; the runway number comes from its magnetic heading rounded to the nearest ten degrees.
Why Pilots Care
The name itself tells the pilot what equipment must be working in the aircraft and on the ground for the approach to be legal and usable. If DME is inoperative, this approach generally cannot be flown as published.
Intuition Check
Do not read “approach” here as simply getting closer to the runway. In this context, an approach is a specific published procedure with defined courses, distances, and altitude limits.
Example Sentence 1
ATC cleared us for the VOR/DME Runway 34 approach, so I tuned the VOR, identified the station, and confirmed the DME was reading distance correctly.
Example Sentence 2
With the GPS unavailable, the crew flew the published VOR/DME Runway 34 approach using the ground-based navigation aids.