What does DME stand for in the context of aviation navigation?

In aviation navigation, DME stands for Distance Measuring Equipment. This system is crucial as it provides pilots and air traffic controllers with precise distance information between the aircraft and a designated ground station. DME works by measuring the time it takes for a radio signal to travel from the aircraft to the DME ground station and back. This information is vital for navigation, especially during approaches and when determining the distance to waypoints or airports.

Understanding DME is essential for pilots as it assists in maintaining proper separation, navigating accurately, and ensuring safe approaches and departures. Given that aviation relies on accurate positional information, DME plays a pivotal role in modern air traffic and navigation systems. Other options may represent related concepts but do not describe the standard term used in aviation navigation.