Eli5 Why do runways have numbers on them?

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Like really, why tho?

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8 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

One thing I haven’t seen mentioned is that each runway has 2 numbers depending on which way you’re facing. Seattle has 3 parallel north/south runways. If you approach from the south your compass heading is 340 degrees, so it would be runways 34L, 34C, and 34R. If you’re approaching from the north your compass heading is 160 degrees, so it’s 16L, 16C, and 16R.

Also consider that when facing opposite directions that left and right are flipped. This means 34L and 16R is the same strip of pavement.

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