FAA Ground School Practice Test

The numbers 8 and 26 on the approach ends of a runway indicate that it is oriented approximately at which magnetic heading?

1. 060° and 240° magnetic

2. 080° and 260° magnetic

3. 100° and 280° magnetic

4. 120° and 300° magnetic

The correct answer is: 080° and 260° magnetic

The numbers displayed on the approach ends of a runway represent the runway's magnetic heading divided by ten. Therefore, when you look at the numbers 8 and 26, you can interpret them as follows: - The number 8 corresponds to a heading of approximately 80 degrees. - The number 26 corresponds to a heading of approximately 260 degrees. To derive these headings, simply multiply the numbers by ten: 8 becomes 80° and 26 becomes 260°. These bearings indicate the direction in which each runway is oriented relative to magnetic north. Therefore, the correct interpretation of the numbers aligns with the option that indicates 80° and 260° magnetic headings. This understanding is critical in flight navigation and approach planning, providing pilots with essential information about runway orientation.