Last week marked the very first meeting of Working Group 134 “DME Interrogators”, bringing together experts to address a critical update in aviation standards.

The ED-54 Minimum Operational Performance Requirements (MOPR) for Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) interrogators was published back in December 1986 and remains in use today. However, the standard no longer reflects the technological evolution of equipment, whose performance now far exceeds the original minimum requirements.

Recognising these advances will allow DME range data consumers, particularly Flight Management Systems (FMS), to benefit from improved performance. This is especially important given widespread GNSS interference and the urgent need to ensure DME remains a reliable means for RNAV and RNP navigation solutions. Updating the MOPS will enhance accuracy, integrity, and continuity for more stringent navigation specifications.

Thank you to all the experts who participated in person and remotely, and congratulations to Okuary Osechas (Zurich University of Applied Sciences / ZHAW) on his election as Chair. If you are interested in joining WG-134, please contact our Technical Programme Manager, Mark Watson.