Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

What is the name of the equipment used to measure slant range distance?

1. Distance Measuring Equipment

2. Speed Measuring Instrument

3. Vertical Navigation Equipment

4. Range Measurement System

The correct answer is: Distance Measuring Equipment

The correct answer is Distance Measuring Equipment, commonly known as DME. This piece of equipment is specifically designed to calculate the slant range distance between an aircraft and a ground-based DME transmitter. The measurement is crucial for navigation, helping pilots determine their position concerning airports and navigational aids. DME uses radio signals to provide accurate distance information, allowing pilots to make informed decisions during their flights, especially in instrument conditions where visual cues may be limited. The other options refer to different types of equipment unrelated to measuring slant range distance. For example, Speed Measuring Instrument focuses on airspeed or ground speed measurements rather than distance. Vertical Navigation Equipment is concerned with altitude and vertical position management, while a Range Measurement System is a more generic term that does not specifically denote the industry-standard tool used for measuring slant range in aviation. Thus, the specific capabilities and purpose of DME establish it as the correct choice in this context.