What is a DME arc?

• A. A curved path that maintains a constant altitude around a VOR.
• B. A flight track that is a constant distance from the station or waypoint.
• C. A straight-line course from the station to the aircraft.
• D. A procedure that reduces vertical separation.

Answer: (B)

A DME arc is a curved flight path flown around a VOR/DME station by keeping a constant distance from that station, as indicated by your DME readout. In practice, you select the specified DME distance (for example, 10 nautical miles) and fly a turn that maintains that fixed radius around the station, tracing a circular arc in the horizontal plane. This helps you connect needed radials or align for the next segment of an approach while ensuring you stay at the required lateral distance for obstacle clearance.

So the essence is maintaining a constant distance from the station using DME to define the arc radius, rather than heading along a straight line, holding altitude, or changing vertical separation.