EASA NAV(A)advanced
Explain why a magnetic runway designator may change even though the physical runway alignment does not.
Answer
Runway designators are based on the runway's magnetic direction, rounded to the nearest ten degrees. Changes in magnetic variation can change the magnetic bearing over time and may cause the rounded designator to change.
Explanation
Runway numbering refers to magnetic direction rather than an immutable true bearing. As **magnetic variation** changes, the magnetic bearing can cross a rounding threshold, prompting a new runway designation even when the pavement remains aligned as before. **Key takeaway:** A runway-number change can reflect magnetic-reference change, not physical reconstruction. **Glossary:** Magnetic bearing: direction measured from magnetic north.
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