Runways are numbered for the purpose of which bearing?

Runways are numbered for the purpose of which bearing?

• A. Magnetic bearing
• B. Runway length
• C. Wind direction
• D. Altitude

Answer: (A)

Runway numbers are based on the magnetic bearing of the runway's centerline, expressed in tens of degrees. This means a runway aligned toward 090 degrees magnetic is labeled 09, and the opposite end, toward 270 degrees, is labeled 27. The labeling uses the magnetic reference so pilots and air traffic control share a consistent orientation regardless of wind. It’s not about runway length, wind direction at the moment, or altitude—the numbers stay fixed to the magnetic direction, helping with navigation and charting.

Runway numbers are based on the magnetic bearing of the runway's centerline, expressed in tens of degrees. This means a runway aligned toward 090 degrees magnetic is labeled 09, and the opposite end, toward 270 degrees, is labeled 27. The labeling uses the magnetic reference so pilots and air traffic control share a consistent orientation regardless of wind. It’s not about runway length, wind direction at the moment, or altitude—the numbers stay fixed to the magnetic direction, helping with navigation and charting.