Is DME required when flying an LOC approach alone?

Is DME required when flying an LOC approach alone?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if operating in poor visibility
• D. Only for flight above 10,000 ft

Answer: (B)

DME is not required for an LOC approach by itself. When you fly a localizer-only approach, you follow the lateral guidance of the localizer and descend according to the published altitudes. DME distance information is only needed if the procedure specifically requires it to identify a fix or to define a step-down/final approach fix. If you have other means to determine position (GPS, VOR/DME, timing, etc.), you can complete the approach without DME. So, DME isn’t mandatory for an LOC approach unless the published procedure explicitly relies on DME distances.

DME is not required for an LOC approach by itself. When you fly a localizer-only approach, you follow the lateral guidance of the localizer and descend according to the published altitudes. DME distance information is only needed if the procedure specifically requires it to identify a fix or to define a step-down/final approach fix. If you have other means to determine position (GPS, VOR/DME, timing, etc.), you can complete the approach without DME. So, DME isn’t mandatory for an LOC approach unless the published procedure explicitly relies on DME distances.