When you are at 20 DME and notice a distance of 19.5 DME, where should you place the bearing pointer?

In this scenario, when flying at 20 DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) and noticing a distance of 19.5 DME, you are effectively 0.5 DME closer to the VOR or DME station than the point you are currently at. In terms of DME, a decrease in distance indicates that you are moving toward the station.

The correct placement of the bearing pointer involves understanding the relationship between your position and the DME reading. Since you are moving towards the station and your reference is the 90-degree index, the bearing pointer should reflect your position relative to that index. When you are at 20 DME and notice 19.5 DME, it suggests that you are inside the range of the station.

Thus, to properly represent this decrease in range, the bearing pointer would be expected to show this heading adjustment. Placing it 5 degrees below the 90-degree index means that the bearing pointer is pointing just to the left of the 90-degree mark, indicating you are moving towards the station, which aligns with your flight path and DME reading. This spatial awareness is key in navigation and ensures that your course is consistently adjusted as you come closer to the station.