Is it possible to consider your DME reading accurate if you are 8 nautical miles from the station at 7,000 feet?

The correct answer conveys that it is indeed possible to consider the DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) reading accurate because you meet the horizontal mile requirement when you are 8 nautical miles from the station at 7,000 feet. DME operates by measuring the distance from the aircraft to the DME station using radio signals.

For the reading to be considered valid, you need to be at a distance that allows for accurate readings, which includes being at a sufficient altitude to avoid potential signal interference and ensure the line of sight. In this scenario, at 7,000 feet and 8 nautical miles away, you exceed the minimum altitude typically required for accurate DME readings. This means you are positioned well enough both horizontally and vertically for the DME system to deliver reliable data.

Understanding the relationship between altitude and distance is crucial to operating safely and effectively while using navigational aids. Therefore, being at 7,000 feet and 8 nautical miles from the DME station remains within acceptable parameters for accurate distance readings.