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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-tetrahedron-direction

Which end of an airport tetrahedron points in the landing direction?

The small end points toward landing direction.

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  1. Wide end
  2. Small end ✔
  3. Crossbar end

Why: A tetrahedron is a landing direction indicator, not a wind direction indicator. Its small end points in the direction airplanes land and take off.

Huh, didn't know that: At a towered airport, tower instructions override the tetrahedron.

The dad joke
Why did the tetrahedron point down the runway? It had a sharp sense of direction.
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References

Answer: Small end. A tetrahedron is a landing direction indicator, not a wind direction indicator. Its small end points in the direction airplanes land and take off.

  1. FAA AIM 4-3-4, Visual Indicators www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/ATpubs/AIM_html/chap4_section_3.html
    The small end of the tetrahedron points in the direction of landing.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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