What type of distance does the DME system display from the ground station to the aircraft?

The DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) system provides the slant range distance in nautical miles from the ground station to the aircraft. This measurement is significant because it accounts for the actual path of radio signals traveling from the ground station to the aircraft, which includes both horizontal and vertical components.

Slant range distance is essential for pilots as it helps them understand their actual distance to the DME ground station, especially when flying at different altitudes. The horizontal component alone wouldn’t be sufficient for navigation since the aircraft could be at varying altitudes above the ground station. Therefore, using slant range allows for more accurate navigation and approach, which is crucial in aviation operations.

Other options like true distance in statute miles and ground distance in nautical miles do not accurately reflect the measurement provided by the DME system. Vertical distance in feet does not capture the essential aspect of navigational distance either, as it focuses solely on the elevation rather than the path taken by the signal. Thus, the choice of slant range distance in nautical miles accurately reflects how the DME functions and provides necessary data for effective navigation.