What type of equipment is required above FL240 according to IFR regulations?

Above FL240, the requirement for Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) is crucial as it enables pilots to confirm their position relative to VOR stations, navigate effectively, and determine the distance to a navigational aid. This capability is particularly important in the airspace above FL240, where aircraft may be farther from navigational aids and routing becomes more complex due to higher altitude operations.

DME provides essential information for en-route navigation and ensures that pilots maintain situational awareness, which is critical for safe operations in congested and high-altitude environments. While other equipment like attitude indicators and emergency locator transmitters are important for different aspects of flight safety, DME is specifically mandated for operation in high-altitude conditions due to its role in navigation and distance verification.