34R-16L?

It is the number of the runway and has the format n[L|R|C|]

Where n is the [approximate] number of degrees from 0 Magnetic that the runway point; each runway has, therefore 2 numbers


L indicates that it is the left runway

C indicates that it is the Centre runway

R indicates that it is the Right runway

e.g. 25R would be the right of 2 or more runways aimed at 250 degrees; approached from the other end would be 7L since it will be aimed at 250-180 = 70 degrees and be the left of 2 or more runways

Dave

 

Small point but you would see "07" (pronounced ZERO-SEVEN) not "7"

At Sydney the crossing runway, used to be called the east-west is 07-25, so if you take/off land from the brighton end you are on 07 (ie facing roughly east at 070 degrees).

The two parallel runways are 16R-34L (main runway - so when landing to the south towards botany bay you are facing 160 degrees on the right hand runway) and 16L-34R (third runway).

Around the airport you will see these marked by white on red signs - mandatory guidance signs - placed at the edge of the runway - you will also see white pyrimad blocks called gable markers which mark the true edge of the runways...the so-called runway strip which extends beyond the tarmac and into the grass edge verges.

Because the numbers are for two ends of the same straight line they have a difference of 18 (ie. 180 degrees)...

The taxiways have just letters as markings (eg A for ALPHA, is the main taxiway for runway 16R-34L at Sydney running from by the International terminal all the way out on the Botany Bay spur) and are marked by yellow/balck signs - side-branches off taxiways get a number - so you will see B1 and B2 on signs as you go in and out of the main aporn area at QF in Sydney Domestic

 

Platy explains it well. Pilots get clearance to land on 24L, for example, and know exactly where that is - all over the world.

 

A good guide to all Australian airports is located here, as far as runways and taxiways go.

Dave

 

If it says 27R 4056 that means the take off distance from that point is 4056 metres.