Runway numbers are derived from the compass bearing to the nearest ten degrees.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. They are random

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that runway numbers come from the runway’s magnetic direction, rounded to the nearest ten degrees, with the trailing zero dropped. So a runway whose magnetic heading is about 270 degrees is labeled 27, and one near 090 degrees is labeled 09. Because these numbers use magnetic north, not true north, the opposite end of the same runway shows the heading 180 degrees different, which becomes the opposite number (for example, 27 and 09 are examples of ends with different but related headings). This system makes the statement true.