How many aircraft can operate on a DME frequency before it becomes congested?

How many aircraft can operate on a DME frequency before it becomes congested?

• A. 50 aircraft
• B. 100 aircraft
• C. 150 aircraft
• D. 200 aircraft

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is based on the operational limits of Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) frequencies in aviation. DME systems utilize specific frequency bands to provide range information to aircraft by measuring the time delay of signals transmitted from the ground station. Each DME has a limited ability to operate in a congested environment because multiple aircraft on the same frequency can interfere with one another, leading to communication and navigation errors. Typically, the operational capacity for DME is understood to be around 100 aircraft. This figure is derived from factors such as the frequency and bandwidth limitations that allow for clear signal reception and transmission without excessive interference. Once the threshold is reached, additional aircraft may start to experience degradation in their ability to accurately determine distance due to overlapping signals and reduced signal quality. As the number of aircraft using a DME frequency increases, the risk of signal confusion and measurement errors also escalates. Therefore, maintaining effective communication and navigation is essential, which is why the limitation is set around that number.

The correct answer is based on the operational limits of Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) frequencies in aviation. DME systems utilize specific frequency bands to provide range information to aircraft by measuring the time delay of signals transmitted from the ground station. Each DME has a limited ability to operate in a congested environment because multiple aircraft on the same frequency can interfere with one another, leading to communication and navigation errors.

Typically, the operational capacity for DME is understood to be around 100 aircraft. This figure is derived from factors such as the frequency and bandwidth limitations that allow for clear signal reception and transmission without excessive interference. Once the threshold is reached, additional aircraft may start to experience degradation in their ability to accurately determine distance due to overlapping signals and reduced signal quality.

As the number of aircraft using a DME frequency increases, the risk of signal confusion and measurement errors also escalates. Therefore, maintaining effective communication and navigation is essential, which is why the limitation is set around that number.