Three runways are constructed parallel to each other at an angle of 260˚ with respect to magnetic north. A pilot is landing from east side while heading west. Which of the following best represents runway designations as seen by pilot (from leftmost to rightmost)
26L, 26C, 26R
Understanding runway designations is crucial in aviation for safe navigation. These designations are based on the runway's magnetic heading and are standardized worldwide.
Runway Numbering Based on Magnetic Heading
Runway numbers are derived from their magnetic heading. The magnetic bearing of the runway centerline is taken, rounded to the nearest 10 degrees, and the last digit is dropped. For example, a runway oriented to 260 degrees magnetic north would be designated as runway 26.
In this scenario, the runways are oriented at an angle of 260˚ with respect to magnetic north. Therefore, the base number for these runways is calculated as:
$$ \frac{\text{Magnetic Heading}}{10} = \frac{260^\circ}{10} = 26 $$
This means the runway number is 26.
Designating Parallel Runways (L, C, R)
When there are multiple parallel runways aligned within 3 degrees or less of each other, they are given additional letter designators: L (Left), C (Center), and R (Right).
These letters indicate the position of the runway relative to the pilot when they are aligned with the runway centerline and facing the direction of landing. The designation is determined from the pilot's perspective:
- The runway to the pilot's left is designated 'L'.
- The runway in the center is designated 'C'.
- The runway to the pilot's right is designated 'R'.
Applying Designation to the Pilot's Perspective
The question states the pilot is landing on runways oriented at 260˚ magnetic north. This means the pilot's direction of travel (heading) is also 260˚.
Imagine you are flying towards 260˚ (roughly West-Southwest):
- North is to your right (90˚ clockwise).
- South is to your left (90˚ counter-clockwise).
- East is behind you.
- West is generally in front of you.
Given there are three parallel runways, and the pilot is landing on them (meaning their heading is 260˚):
- The runway positioned to the pilot's left will be designated 26L.
- The runway positioned in the center will be designated 26C.
- The runway positioned to the pilot's right will be designated 26R.
The detail "landing from east side while heading west" is context, but the primary determinant for designation is the runway's magnetic orientation (260˚) and the pilot's view along that heading. Even though 270˚ is magnetic west, 260˚ is the runway's alignment, and the L/C/R designation is relative to that 260˚ heading.
Final Runway Designations
Therefore, as seen by the pilot from leftmost to rightmost, the runway designations are 26L, 26C, 26R.
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2. The Commission did record the statements of ryots, sahukars and eye-witnesses.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
