Which navigational aid provides distance information and also azimuth information to a pilot?

Which navigational aid provides distance information and also azimuth information to a pilot?

• A. VORTAC
• B. DME
• C. GPS
• D. VOR

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that you need both bearing information and distance. A VOR gives azimuth (the radial or bearing to a station) but not how far away you are. DME provides distance to the station but not a directional bearing. A VORTAC combines both: the VOR component provides the azimuth, and the DME component provides the distance. This single facility therefore delivers both pieces of information to the pilot. (GPS can provide position and distance as well, but for traditional ground-based navaids, VORTAC is the one that offers both in one source.)

The key idea is that you need both bearing information and distance. A VOR gives azimuth (the radial or bearing to a station) but not how far away you are. DME provides distance to the station but not a directional bearing. A VORTAC combines both: the VOR component provides the azimuth, and the DME component provides the distance. This single facility therefore delivers both pieces of information to the pilot. (GPS can provide position and distance as well, but for traditional ground-based navaids, VORTAC is the one that offers both in one source.)