Definition
The runway designated as active for takeoffs and landings at a given time, selected primarily based on wind direction so that aircraft operate as nearly into the wind as possible, while also considering traffic flow, noise abatement, and runway length requirements.
Plain English
The runway that pilots are currently using to take off and land. It is usually the one that lets aircraft fly into the wind, but other factors can influence the choice.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter this phrase when getting airport information, listening to other aircraft, entering the airport traffic pattern, or deciding which runway to use before takeoff or landing.
Why Pilots Care
Using the correct runway prevents runway incursions and ensures safe separation from other aircraft.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “runway in use” means only the runway with an airplane on it at that moment. It means the runway currently selected and expected for takeoffs and landings.
Example Sentence 1
The ATIS reported runway 27 as the runway in use, so the pilot planned a left downwind entry for that runway.
Example Sentence 2
Wind direction determined which runway in use the flight instructor selected for the lesson.