Runways generally use which north reference?

Runways generally use which north reference?

• A. Magnetic north
• B. True north
• C. Geographic north
• D. Local north

Answer: (A)

Runways are labeled by magnetic headings because aviation navigation relies on magnetic north. The runway number reflects the magnetic bearing of the runway’s centerline, rounded to the nearest ten degrees, so a runway aligned near 090 magnetic degrees is designated as Runway 09. This convention aligns with the compass readings, VORs, and instrument approaches used in flight, making it consistent for pilots everywhere. Magnetic variation—the difference between true north and magnetic north—varies by location and changes over time. If runways were tied to true north, pilots would have to constantly translate true headings to magnetic ones for every procedure, creating confusion and complexity. “Local north” isn’t a standardized reference used in aviation, whereas magnetic north provides a single, globally consistent basis for runway designations.

Runways are labeled by magnetic headings because aviation navigation relies on magnetic north. The runway number reflects the magnetic bearing of the runway’s centerline, rounded to the nearest ten degrees, so a runway aligned near 090 magnetic degrees is designated as Runway 09. This convention aligns with the compass readings, VORs, and instrument approaches used in flight, making it consistent for pilots everywhere.

Magnetic variation—the difference between true north and magnetic north—varies by location and changes over time. If runways were tied to true north, pilots would have to constantly translate true headings to magnetic ones for every procedure, creating confusion and complexity. “Local north” isn’t a standardized reference used in aviation, whereas magnetic north provides a single, globally consistent basis for runway designations.