Answer: In aviation and navigation, a bearing is a measurement that indicates the direction of one point or object relative to another point. A three-figure bearing is often used to describe directions in a circle measured clockwise from the north direction.
When it comes to the two three-figure bearings at the ends of the same runway, they describe the direction of the runway relative to the cardinal directions (north, east, south, west).
For example, let's say one end of the runway is designated as point A and the other end as point B. The three-figure bearing from A to B would describe the direction that you would travel from point A to point B. Conversely, the three-figure bearing from B to A would describe the direction from point B to point A.
- The relationship between the two three-figure bearings is as follows:
Complementary Bearings: The two three-figure bearings are complementary angles. This means that the bearing from A to B and the bearing from B to A will add up to 360 degrees (a full circle).
180-Degree Difference: The difference between the two bearings is 180 degrees. In other words, if the bearing from A to B is 120 degrees, the bearing from B to A would be 300 degrees (120 + 180).
Opposite Directions: The two bearings are in opposite directions. If you're facing the direction of the bearing from A to B, the bearing from B to A would be in the opposite direction.
In summary, the relationship between the two three-figure bearings at the ends of the same runway involves complementary angles, a 180-degree difference, and opposite directions.