What DME indication should you receive when directly over a VORTAC site at approximately 6,000 feet AGL?

When flying directly over a VORTAC (VHF Omnidirectional Range Tactical Air Navigation) site at approximately 6,000 feet AGL (Above Ground Level), the Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) should indicate a distance of approximately 1 nautical mile. This occurs because DME measures the straight-line distance from the aircraft to the ground-based facility, which in this case is the VORTAC station.

At 6,000 feet AGL, the aircraft is likely 1 nautical mile away from the station, corresponding to the altitude at which distance is being measured. It's important to remember that the DME reading is calculated based on the slant range, which can differ from the straight-line ground distance, but at typical operating altitudes for VORTAC stations, the reading you would receive, when right above, is generally around 1 nautical mile.

This helps pilots understand their position relative to navigational aids, ensuring they can navigate accurately and safely within the airspace. A reading of 0.5, 5, or 10 would not accurately reflect this scenario, as those distances do not correlate effectively to the expected distance from the VORTAC while flying directly overhead at that altitude.