Definition
On an airport sketch or airport diagram, runway identification is the labeling of each runway by its magnetic heading rounded to the nearest ten degrees, with the trailing zero dropped — for example, a runway aligned to a magnetic heading of 273° is identified as Runway 27. When parallel runways exist at the same airport, a letter is added to distinguish them: L (left), C (center), or R (right), as in 27L, 27C, and 27R.
Plain English
It is the number (and sometimes a letter) painted on a runway and shown on the airport diagram that tells you which runway is which, based on the direction it points.
Context Anchor
Seen on airport diagrams, airport sketches, runway markings, taxi clearances, and approach briefings.
Derivation
Runway refers to the prepared surface aircraft run along for takeoff and landing. Identification comes from the Latin 'identificare,' meaning to recognize or establish as the same. The combined term describes the visual markings that let pilots recognize the correct surface.
Why Pilots Care
Correct runway identification prevents landing or taking off on the wrong surface, which is especially critical at airports with parallel runways or complex layouts.
Intuition Check
Do not treat runway identification as a random runway name. The number is tied to direction, and the letter is used only when runways need to be separated from each other.
Example Sentence 1
After reviewing the airport diagram, the pilot confirmed runway identification as 27L before taxiing to position.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach briefing the crew confirmed the runway identification on the airport diagram matched the assigned runway.