Definition
A ground-based navigation facility that combines a VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) transmitter, which provides bearing (radial) information from the station, with Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), which provides slant-range distance from the station. Together they allow a suitably equipped aircraft to determine both its direction from and distance to the same fixed ground point.
Plain English
A single ground station that tells the aircraft two things at once: which direction it lies in from the station, and how far away it is.
Context Anchor
Seen when using radio navigation, instrument routes, and instrument approach procedures that refer to a named VOR/DME facility.
Derivation
VOR stands for VHF Omnidirectional Range — 'omnidirectional' meaning it transmits useable signals in every direction. DME stands for Distance Measuring Equipment. The combined name simply reflects that both services are co-located at one station.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots a precise two-dimensional position fix using one tuned station, supporting accurate navigation and instrument approaches.
Grounding Statement
When the aircraft is receiving a VOR/DME station, the pilot can picture the airplane as being on a certain line from the station and a certain number of miles away from it.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the DME distance is the same as distance measured along the ground. It is the straight-line distance from the aircraft to the station.
Example Sentence 1
After passing the VOR/DME station, the pilot tracked outbound on the 270 radial and began the descent at 10 DME.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach briefing, the crew noted the VOR/DME station provided both course guidance and distance to the missed approach point.