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DME operating frequency range

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 26 of 26 on Communications, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems. ACS element AM.II.I.K10 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONIn what frequency range does distance measuring equipment (DME) operate?

  1. AThe SHF range from 5.44 GHz to 9.375 GHz.
  2. BThe LF range from 190 kHz to 535 kHz.
  3. CThe UHF range from 962 MHz to 1213 MHz.
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. The UHF range from 962 MHz to 1213 MHz.

  • A — incorrect Those SHF figures are typical of the radio waves used by on-board weather radar systems, not DME.
  • B — incorrect That low frequency band is the original nondirectional beacon range used by radio direction finders and ADF.
  • C — correct DME operates in the UHF frequency range from 962 MHz to 1213 MHz.

BACKGROUND

A DME system calculates the distance from the aircraft to the DME unit at the ground station and displays it on the flight deck. It can also display calculated aircraft speed and elapsed time for arrival when the aircraft is traveling to the station. The system consists of an airborne DME transceiver, display and antenna, together with the ground based DME unit and its antenna. DME operates in the UHF frequency range from 962 MHz to 1213 MHz. Because DME is a pulse type transceiver, its transmission line must be precise in length to keep attenuation to a minimum.

STUDY TIP

Group DME with the other pulse systems in the UHF band near 1 GHz, and keep it clearly apart from the LF beacon band and the SHF radar band.

KEY POINTS

  • DME operates in the UHF range from 962 MHz to 1213 MHz.
  • An airborne DME transceiver, display and antenna work with a ground based unit and antenna.
  • Bearing from the VOR plus distance from DME gives the pilot a positive fix.

SOURCES

  • ama-airframe/ch11.txt "Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) test →Timed 100-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.