How airport runways are numbered?

All runways are numbered based on the magnetic azimuth (compass bearing) in which a runway is oriented. There are 360 degrees on a compass rose. The opposite end of the runway always differs by 180 degrees, so it’s numbered 18 higher or lower. For example, Runway 9-27 is oriented east-west.

Is there a runway 0?

A leading zero, for example in “runway zero-six” or “runway zero-one-left”, is included for all ICAO and some U.S. military airports (such as Edwards Air Force Base). However, most U.S. civil aviation airports drop the leading zero as required by FAA regulation.

What are the numbers at the end of runways actually mean?

What the Numbers at the End of Runways Actually Mean. So runway 12, for example, is 120 degrees from magnetic north, and runway 36 is, well, 360 degrees from magnetic north, and it means you’re pointed directly north.

What do runway numbers and how do they work?

The runways at all airports in the world has two numbers on it at the opposite ends. Have you ever wondered what they mean? These numbers indicate to pilots the runways to be used for takeoff and landing and the same is communicated to the pilots by the air traffic control. Each of these numbers corresponds to a direction on the compass.

How do runways get their numbers?

Runways are usually numbered according to their direction, more precisely called runway magnetic bearing or QFU (see Q codes). Consider a plane flying toward the runway on final approach in a day without any wind. Divide its magnetic heading by 10, round it to the nearest whole number and you’ll usually get the runway number.

How are runway numbers determined?

Runway numbers are determined by rounding the compass bearing of one runway end to the nearest 10 degrees and truncating the last digit, meaning runways are numbered from 1 to 36—as per the diagram.