![]() You might be surprised to learn that the magnetic north doesn’t stay constant. If you are familiar with a given airport, you may notice that occasionally (and by “occasionally” we mean normally in terms of several years), the runway numbers change. This naming convention of the runway numbers reflects this. When an airplane is flying north, it is always said to be flying a heading of “three-six-zero”, and never “zero zero zero” degrees. This will also correspond with the headings read out by both ATC and the pilot. Any runway which points to magnetic north will normally be given the designator “36” (as in 360 degrees). You shouldn’t find any runway numbered either “0” or “00”. Pilots always reference magnetic heading, and their instruments, such as a heading indicator, will always point in this direction. The difference between a true heading and a magnetic heading is caused by local variation, as compasses don’t point to the geographic north pole but instead to a point in northern Canada. Are Runway Numbers in Degrees True or Magnetic?Īirport numbers always reference the nearest heading in degrees magnetic, not true. The number has been amended to prevent confusion with the other runways. It is important to note that, in the case of runway 29, it still points to 280°. The runway numbers might be designated something like this: – So let’s say there were 4 runways, all pointing to 280°. This is the case even though the ‘extra’ runway may point in exactly the same direction. The next series of runways will have their final digit changed by 1 to avoid any confusion. If there are more than 3 parallel runways, then a simple rule is followed. Well, there is a naming convention for that too! ![]() There may be more than three runways pointing in the same direction in very big airports. What Happens if There Are More Than 3 Parallel Runways? The runways should be numbered “35L” and “35R”. Subsequently, and according to the above. So, for example, let’s say two runways are both pointing to a 350° magnetic heading. “C” – the center runway (when there are three parallel runways).Runways letters are used to differentiate between runways that point in the same direction. Noise abatement and nearby residential areasĪs a result of the above, it is often favorable to have two or more runways all pointing in the same direction.Factors used to decide on runway direction include: – The direction the runway faces will be optimal based on several factors. You are probably already aware that most major airports have more than one runway. Just as with our explanation of runway numbers, this is equally easy to understand. You need to add a zero to the ends of these numbers! The result is the direction you are pointing in degrees magnetic. Now that you know how runway numbers are assigned try and work out which direction you would be pointing in the following examples. The resulting number is the runway number.The final ‘zero’ is removed to give a two-digit identifier (so in the case 090° becomes “09”).The runway heading is rounded to the closest 10° (in this case, 092° becomes 090°).Well, here’s a step-by-step guide to how it is calculated: – Let’s imagine standing facing down a runway with a compass in our hand. The runway numbers actually tell you where the runway is pointing, referencing magnetic north. In fact, there is a lot of information held within those huge white digits. Runway numbers aren’t just there for decoration. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |