Runway numbers.

**Cap Man** · 01-09-2006, 04:11 PM

Being new to flight sim and not being a real world pilot I was just wondering why runways are numbered the way they are. IE why does a runway have a different numder depending on which end it is.

I know a daft question but just don`t know the answer.

Cap Man (Keith).

**andyjohnston** · 01-09-2006, 04:20 PM

Runways are numbered according to their magnetic heading divided by ten (in the extreme north they use true heading, don't know about the south.)

So if a runway points north (360 degrees) the number will be 36. If it points south (180 degrees) it will be runway 18.

If there are are two parallel runways, they will have the letters L and R for left and right, for example 18L and 18R.

If there are three paralel runways, C will also be used to designate centre, so 18L 18C and 18R.

Opposite ends of the runway point in opposite directios, so they will have numbers 18 degrees apart.

Runway numbers can go from01 up to 36.

**Cap Man** · 01-09-2006, 06:15 PM

Thanks for the info Andy.

Cap Man (Keith).

**metro752** · 01-10-2006, 02:44 PM

Take a look at a taxiway diagram of DFW.

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http://fsuniverse.com/meyer/paul_b752.jpg
www.FSUniverse.com

**Ridge_Runner_5** · 01-10-2006, 03:02 PM

Try explaining this one from Google Earth!

**FlyingKiwi** · 01-10-2006, 05:04 PM

Where is that?

**FITZY** · 01-11-2006, 01:34 AM

Is that a helicopter training base or something like that? Technically speaking, I believe helicopters are supposed to follow taxiways, etc. just like fixed wing aircraft, but can get special clearances conditions permitting.

Anyway, here's the AIM section on runway markings:

http://www.faa.gov/ATPUBS/AIM/Chap2/aim0203.html#2-3-2

**Ridge_Runner_5** · 01-11-2006, 02:04 AM

>Where is that?

Somewhere in Arizona...the runways are obviously very short, so its a helicopter facility, but there is only the one building there! No fuel station, no nothing...seems like a rather shady operation...