Definition
W is the standard abbreviation for west, one of the four cardinal compass directions, corresponding to a magnetic or true bearing of 270 degrees. In aviation, it appears on charts, in navigation references, and as part of latitude/longitude coordinates to indicate longitude west of the prime meridian.
Plain English
W is short for west. It marks the direction opposite east, and on charts it shows up next to longitude numbers to say the location is west of the prime meridian (the north-south line running through Greenwich, England).
Context Anchor
Seen on charts, weather reports, airport information, and NOTAMs when space is limited and directions are abbreviated.
Derivation
From the Old English 'west,' the same root used across most European languages. The single-letter abbreviation 'W' has been the standard cartographic shorthand for centuries and carries directly into aviation charting.
Why Pilots Care
Correct use of west prevents navigation errors when interpreting headings, winds, and course instructions.
Intuition Check
Do not read W as a general symbol for wind or width in this entry. Here, W means west.
Example Sentence 1
The airport is located at 33°N, 097°W.
Example Sentence 2
Set heading 270 to fly due west.