If Runway 5 is in use, what is the approximate heading for the opposite runway end?

If Runway 5 is in use, what is the approximate heading for the opposite runway end?

• A. 050 degrees
• B. 360 degrees
• C. 230 degrees
• D. 180 degrees

Answer: (C)

Runways are named by the magnetic heading of their centerline, rounded to the nearest ten degrees and with the last zero dropped. A runway labeled 5 corresponds to a magnetic heading of about 050 degrees. The opposite end faces the opposite direction, about 180 degrees different, so its heading is roughly 230 degrees. Therefore, the approximate heading for the opposite runway end is 230 degrees. The other options would point to directions that don’t match the opposite end: 360 degrees is north, 180 degrees is south, and 050 degrees is the original end.

Runways are named by the magnetic heading of their centerline, rounded to the nearest ten degrees and with the last zero dropped. A runway labeled 5 corresponds to a magnetic heading of about 050 degrees. The opposite end faces the opposite direction, about 180 degrees different, so its heading is roughly 230 degrees. Therefore, the approximate heading for the opposite runway end is 230 degrees. The other options would point to directions that don’t match the opposite end: 360 degrees is north, 180 degrees is south, and 050 degrees is the original end.