What is DME ARC in aviation?
DME ARC in aviation stands for Distance Measuring Equipment Arc. It is a curved flight path that is flown at a constant distance from a navigation aid (NAVAID), such as a VOR, VOR/DME, or NDB/DME. DME arcs are used for a variety of purposes, including:
- To enter or exit an approach pattern
- To fly a holding pattern
- To intercept a course
- To join a route
To fly a DME arc, the pilot sets the desired distance on the DME receiver and then turns the aircraft to intercept the arc. The pilot then maintains the desired distance from the NAVAID by making small adjustments to the aircraft’s heading.
DME arcs are typically flown at a standard rate of turn of 3 degrees per second. However, the pilot may need to adjust the rate of turn depending on the aircraft’s groundspeed and the desired radius of the arc.
DME arcs can be flown using either visual or instrument flight rules (VFR or IFR). For VFR flights, the pilot uses visual references to maintain the desired distance from the NAVAID. For IFR flights, the pilot uses the DME receiver to maintain the desired distance from the NAVAID.
Here are some tips for flying DME arcs:
- Use a flight computer or GPS unit to calculate the desired heading and rate of turn.
- Anticipate the turn and start turning early enough to intercept the arc smoothly.
- Make small adjustments to the aircraft’s heading to maintain the desired distance from the NAVAID.
- Be aware of wind conditions and make adjustments to the aircraft’s heading as needed.
- Use visual references or the DME receiver to verify that you are on the arc.
DME arcs are a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of purposes in aviation. By understanding how to fly DME arcs, pilots can improve their safety and efficiency.
References:
https://infiniteflight.com/guide/flying-guide/descent-to-landing/dme-arc
https://aerocorner.com/blog/distance-measuring-equipment/
https://skybrary.aero/articles/distance-measuring-equipment-dme
Chart with DME ARC source: https://www.flyingmag.com/chartwise-january-2017/
