Definition
The magnetic direction that corresponds to the centerline of a runway, expressed as the actual published runway heading rather than the runway's numerical designator. Pilots assigned to fly runway heading are expected to fly the heading that matches the published centerline direction, not the rounded number painted on the runway. Drift correction for wind is not applied.
Plain English
When ATC tells you to fly runway heading, fly straight ahead in the exact direction the runway points. Don't turn into the wind to stay over the centerline -- just hold the published heading.
Context Anchor
You will see this term in takeoff instructions, departure clearances, runway data, and chart information.
Derivation
“Runway” refers to the prepared surface an aircraft uses for takeoff and landing. “Heading” comes from the idea of the direction the head or nose is pointed. Together, “runway heading” means the direction the runway itself points.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures the aircraft is aligned with the runway centerline for safe operations. Misalignment increases risk of runway excursions or loss of directional control.
Intuition Check
Do not assume runway heading means the runway number. The runway number is rounded to the nearest 10 degrees; runway heading is the more exact magnetic direction.
Example Sentence 1
Tower instructed us to fly runway heading until reaching two thousand feet, then turn left on course.
Example Sentence 2
After liftoff the controller instructed the pilot to fly runway heading until reaching 1,000 feet.