Finding the angle/bearing of a runway?

[BTilson]

Is there any way to find the angle (bearing?) of  runway? I'm learning how to navigate somewhat, but I seem to have a recurring problem of getting close to the airport and then I'm not even close to being lined up for a proper landing. I've noticed that when using the GPS you can see a little representation of how the runways are laid out at some of the airports, and that's somewhat helpful, but a direct bearing would still be nice. Also, what about the smaller airports that do not have any runway representation?

I hope all that made sense, and I hope I didn't butcher too many flight terms in one post.

Thanks!

[elite marksman]

The runway number indicates the approximate heading of the runway. RWY 09 has a heading of approximately 090*, between 085 and 094, so the most you will be of is 009*, hardly significant at the ranges we are talking about. Runways also sometimes have a letter after the numbers: R, L, and occasionally C. RWY 20L is the left runway heading 200, 20R is the right runway, and 20C is the center runway.

[BTilson]

Oh. How simple. Much easier than the answer I was expecting to get.

Thanks so much!!!

[TSC.]

The little representation you are seeing in the GPS (like a green arrow) is showing the ILS localizer for that runway - as long as the runway is equipped with ILS, it's also worth noting that not all of these line up directly with the runway, or even on the exact same heading as the runway, but most do.

Cheers,

TSC.

[Nav]

Btilson, as soon as you get your landing clerance, it's a good idea to call up Map View (which pauses the game). Centre the view on the airport and enlarge it - you can then see the alignment of the various runways. Click on the middle of the airport and a table will come up which gives you the precise runway alignments and also gives you ILS frequencies etc. (if that airport has ILS). Best to take notes at first.

Then 'shrink' the map a bit and you'll be able to compare your present position with the runway alignment you need, and estimate the best course to intercept it.