Runway turnaround area

[D-OCHO]

I have seen some mayor airlines (i.e. Emirates, Brussels etc.) using the Runway turn around area the opposite way as it is depicted on the runway.
Any reason for this??

[DaveReidUK]

Depends whether it's the captain or F/O on the tiller.

[AerocatS2A]

Yeah, some like to have the runway edge on their side. Don't care personally.

[Musket90]

As mentioned I think it depends who's doing the flying. I've seen different types use the opposite side of a runway turn pad and it may also be because of the aircraft manufacturer's operational procedures. Some B777's come to mind.

[RAT 5]

There are those who consider the wind when deciding the direction of the turn. I had one TC try to explain it to me; regarding the wind-push effect on the rudder. It can help tighten the turn, or the opposite if in a tight corner. It gets complicated and easy to get wrong, but more likely of use when there is no turning circle and the runway width is tight. I'm not advocating anything, just relating a story.

[wiggy]

Some B777's come to mind.

Some airlines have their own published specific procedures for different types or variants thereof, such as always turning from the straight side of the runway into the turn pad.

[chevvron]

Are there not 'arrow' markings painted on the yellow guidance lines? There are at airfields where I've seen them.

[wiggy]

Are there not 'arrow' markings painted on the yellow guidance lines? There are at airfields where I've seen them.

There are at some airports but they may not be universally applicable and for some types ( e.g. some 777's, some companies at some airports ) there will quite possibly FCOM instructions along the lines of: "ignore painted markings unless company issued aerodrome chart or other company documentation specifically detail their use". There are most certainly places where simply following the arrows on some types can lead to unfortunate consequences...