Wind direction indicators
A wind direction indicator (windsock) shows wind direction at an aerodrome. Sock angle shows rough wind strength.
- Required: every aerodrome, unless wind direction can be determined by radio or other means (CAR 301.06(1)).
- Build: conspicuous colour(s), truncated cone shape, visible from an aircraft 300 m (1,000 ft) above the indicator (CAR 301.06(1)(a)-(c)).
Siting (AGA 5.9):
| Aerodrome | Location |
|---|---|
| No prepared runways | On or near a conspicuous building, or near the general aircraft parking area |
| Runway longer than 1,200 m | One at each end, near touchdown zone, 60 m outward from runway edge, clear of obstacle-free zone |
| Runway 1,200 m or shorter | One centrally on the aerodrome, or near each runway end, near aiming point markings |
- Illuminated for night operations.
Dry standard windsock (AGA 5.9, Table 5.3), at aerodromes certified as airports:
| Wind speed | Sock angle |
|---|---|
| 15 kt or above | Horizontal |
| 10 kt | 5° below horizontal |
| 6 kt | 30° below horizontal |
- Uncertified aerodromes: non-standard indicators may react differently to wind speed. Table may not apply.
Trap: table holds only for a dry, standard sock at a certified airport; wet or non-standard socks may not match.
References
- CARs 301.06(1), (1)(d)
- TC AIM AGA 5.9
- TC AIM AGA 5.9 Table 5.3