Definition
E is the standard single-letter abbreviation for east, one of the four cardinal compass directions, corresponding to a magnetic or true bearing of 090°.
Plain English
E means east — the direction the sun rises, marked as 090° on a compass or heading indicator.
Context Anchor
Seen on charts, airport notices, weather information, and navigation instructions when a direction or location is being shortened.
Derivation
East comes from Old English and is connected with the direction of sunrise. That helps because east is the standard direction associated with where the sun rises.
Why Pilots Care
East appears constantly in flight planning and navigation — wind directions, headings, course lines, and chart coordinates all rely on quick, unambiguous recognition of cardinal letters.
Grounding Statement
If north is at the top of a map, east is to the right.
Intuition Check
Do not read E here as a general letter or as another abbreviation. In this FAA abbreviation context, E means east.
Example Sentence 1
The wind was reported from the E at 10 knots, so the pilot planned to land on the runway facing east.
Example Sentence 2
Turn right to a heading of 090 to fly east toward the practice area.