What is runway 37

You might be thinking that the numbers on this diagram are backwards. On a handheld compass, south is degrees so 18 in runway terms and west is Most runways can typically be used in either direction, depending on prevailing winds. Furthermore, each runway end is identified separately. Therefore, an aircraft taking off easterly on Runway would be considered to be utilizing Runway 9 for departure. Many large airports have parallel runways, which requires further designation of each runway.

During airport operations, runway number designations are pronounced individually. This level of enunciation ensures clear communication and enhances safety. By accessing and using our website you agree to our use of cookies and the collection of your personal information as described in our privacy policy. Stantec values our relationship with you and is committed to protecting your personal information. Our privacy policy explains how we look after your personal data when you visit our website and tells you about your privacy rights and how the law protects you.

If you do not wish to use cookies, this feature can be disabled by changing the settings on your browser. However, if you do disable cookies, certain parts of our site will be unavailable to you. Read More. Menu Search. Search Form Submit Search Input. Ideas Airport runways: What do those big numbers mean? By Dave Dargie An airfield design expert explains runway markings—and why the compass is important. Share facebook twitter linkedin email. First, a few factoids before I explain: Every public use and military airfield on the face of the earth has or should have runway designations permanently painted at each runway end.

Runway markings, including the runway designations, are always white in color. Have you ever looked out the airplane window on takeoff or landing to spot the big numbers painted on the end of the runway. Yes, they help pilots tell one runway from another, but they also tell them something more. As Atlas Obscura explains, the numbers that runways have aren't arbitrary. A runway always has a number between 1 and 36, and that number isn't just the runway's nickname, but also indicates how many degrees away that runway is from magnetic north, rounded to the tens.

So runway 24 is degrees from magnetic north, and runway 36 runs right along it. It can be a valuable way to double check where you are. A pilot preparing for takeoff can make sure he's about to head down the right runway by just taking a look at his compass. The problem is that magnetic north tends to move—at rates of up to 1 degree per year as far north as Alaska—so sometimes you have to get out there and actually change the numbers now and then, and the airports have to repaint.

After all, you want all the data you can get when you're coming in for a tough landing.