For many pilots, the only time we’ll ever encounter a DME arc is during instrument training or on a check ride. Still, it’s a good idea to know how to fly one. The good news is that a DME arc is simple once you understand how to execute it. One common misconception many pilots have is that an arc should be flown as if it were a continuous circle around the station. To make things easier, think of it instead as a series of short, straight lines that form a type of polygon. Have a look below for a deeper explanation.
Chart Wise: Flying a DME Arc
Key Takeaways:
- DME arcs are primarily encountered during instrument flight training and check rides, but pilots should still understand how to fly them.
- Flying a DME arc is straightforward once the execution is understood, contrary to common misconceptions about its complexity.
- Instead of a continuous circle, DME arcs are more effectively flown and conceptualized as a series of short, straight lines forming a polygon.
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