Plain English Meaning
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.
Full 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.
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.