What is the primary purpose of the DME application table?

The primary purpose of the DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) application table is to determine safe distances for diverging aircraft. This is an essential function for ensuring safe air traffic management, particularly in maintaining appropriate separation between aircraft. The DME provides pilots and air traffic controllers with accurate distance information, which is crucial for planning maneuvers and maintaining safe separation, especially during approach and departure procedures.

In a busy airspace environment, knowing the precise distance between aircraft helps to prevent potential conflicts and enhances overall safety. This information is vital for controlling air traffic, as it enables controllers to instruct aircraft to change altitudes, headings, or speeds while ensuring that all aircraft remain at safe distances from one another.

The other options do not align with the primary functionality of DME. It is not designed to measure aircraft speed, calculate fuel consumption, or log flight hours, as these functions are catered to different instruments and systems within aviation.