How are airport runways 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.

Why every airport runway has 2 numbers on it?

twice. These two numbers are closely linked to a shifting magnetic north, but are essential for airports to direct traffic through all the different runways.

What are runway designators?

A runway designator consists of a two-digit number, which is the whole number nearest to one tenth of the magnetic North when viewed from the direction of approach. In simple words, the runway designator represents the heading used for taking off or landing at the runway.

How do you read a runway?

Plainly put, airport runways are numbered according to compass bearings. This means runway numbers are based on the compass with 360 representing north, 90 representing east, 180 representing south, and 270 representing west. Runways are numbered between 01 and 36.

How often do runway numbers change?

“Declination is changing by 0.1 degree per year, so about another 30 years or more until the next change at the current rate.” Runway names are alphanumeric based on compass points.

What is length of runway?

“I hope this runway’s long enough!” Between these two runway extremes sits a “typical” commercial airline runway length: roughly between 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) and 13,000 feet (3,962 meters).

What do the numbers on the runway numbers mean?

As you might guess, the numbers are the reciprocals of each other. If there is a giant 19 painted on one end of the runway, there is a giant number 1 painted on the other side. (Just remember that you’re facing outward from the compass.) In the US, our runways omit the leading zero for runway 01, which is not the case in much of the world.

What is the reciprocal of a runway?

The other number is the reciprocal of the first number (see the table of Reciprocal Runway Numbers below). For example, if a runway is aligned north-south, then it is 18/36, not 00/18. The lower number is always listed first. Runways have two ends.

What is the direction of a 36 degree runway?

A runway pointing to the north with a heading from 355° to 004° will be generally given the number 36 (1/10th of 360° ±5°), similarly runway 09 points east (85°~94°), runway 18 is south (175°~184°), and runway 27 points west (265°~274°).

What is the heading of the centerline of Runway 34?

Here, the heading of the centerline could be 342 degrees and the runway will be labeled Runway 34. A compass, and all 360 degrees of it. On the compass above, find approximately 342 degrees.