Gradient
HP, here goes : 5NM @ 3000 ft AGL = a grad of 600 FPM or 5.67 degrees
8NM @ 4000 ft AGL = a grad of 500 FPM or 4.72 degrees
The way to calculate is to divide the height by the distance to get the gradient.
Then divide the gradient by 6076 (ft in 1 NM). Then go ARC Sin on a scientific
calc to get the angle in degrees.
EG: 3000/5=600/6076=0.987491 (% grad), arc sin =5.67
Since DME is slant range, we use the SIN (hypotenuse) of the angle.
Always have a scientific calc with you.