Runway Markings

[US B767-201ER]

Hello,

I had two questions about runways markings:

1) How are runways numbered? Why are they not consecutive? I heard that runway numbers are approximate magnetic headings, but I find that strange because for example, at CLE, one runway is 24L, and the opposite end is 6R; those do not look like opposite magnetic headings.

2) I know that the "piano keys" at the ends of runways tell you the width of the runway. But, how do you determine this? I think (not sure) that each stripe is 10 feet (I am probably wrong at this).

Thank you in advance for your responses,

US B767-201ER

[DubTrub]

Q1: I assume CLE is in the States (Cleveland?). The yanks are always running out of white paint, and don't like to use the correct runway designation of "06R"

06 means 060 degrees, which is indeed 180 from 240.

Q2: Piano keys use up a lot of white paint....

[ratsarrse]

You are right about the numbering corresponding to magnetic heading. To within 10 degrees. Runway 24 will be approx. 240 degrees. If you look at a compass rose, you will see that 060 degrees is the opposite end to 240, so runway 24/06 would be right. If you have two or three runways with the same alignment, you distinguish between them by calling them left, right or centre - hence 24L. Approaching from the other end, it would be 06R. I don't know what would happen if you had four parallel runways! Hope that all makes some sense.

[Golf Charlie Charlie]

<<<
I don't know what would happen if you had four parallel runways! Hope that all makes some sense.
>>>

I think what they do is create different alignments, regardless of the actual magnetics or physical true headings. I believe Atlanta is an example. They have two 27's (ie. 27L and 27R) and two 26's (26L and 26R), plus their reciprocals of course, but I think they are all physically parallel to each other.

[Bokomoko]

1) How are runways numbered? Why are they not consecutive? I heard that runway numbers are approximate magnetic headings, but I find that strange because for example, at CLE, one runway is 24L, and the opposite end is 6R; those do not look like opposite magnetic headings.
Runway numbers are determined from approach direction using magnetic azimuth of the centerline of the runway as reference. L and R are used for two parallel runways and L, C and R for 3 parallel runways. However, in order to avoid confusion on some airports with several parallel runways a new runway designator is normally used. For example, Frankfurt has two parallel runways 25R and 25L and their respective opposite thresholds. But runway 25L has a second landing threshold (1500m from original landing edge 25L) designated as 26L (it’s used only for landing of aircrafts with a maximum landing weight less than 136,000kg and under some meteorological conditions and traffic demand). LAX has 4 parallel runways with the same magnetic azimuth. But they’re designated as 25L/07R, 25R/07L for the south complex, and 24L/06R, 24R/06L for the north complex.


2) I know that the "piano keys" at the ends of runways tell you the width of the runway. But, how do you determine this? I think (not sure) that each stripe is 10 feet (I am probably wrong at this).
From AIM:
Runway Width X Number of Stripes
60ft - 4
75ft - 6
100ft - 8
150ft - 12
200ft - 16

Bkmk:ok:

[US B767-201ER]

Thank you all for your replies. I greatly appreciate it! ;)

US B767-201ER

[quid]

......and not necessarily within 10 degrees either. Take the case of KATL where 8L and 8R have a mag track of 093 degrees.