As aviation enthusiasts and pilots, we know that selecting the right windsock is crucial for safe and efficient operations. At MyPilotStore, we often get questions about windsock sizing. Let’s break down the key factors to consider when choosing the ideal windsock for your specific requirements.
Purpose: What’s Your Windsock For?
Windsocks are designed to tell you two things: wind direction and wind speed. For a windsock at an airport, it’s important for the pilot to know both the window speed and direction in order to choose the correct runway and understand the crosswind component. Knowing both the wind speed and direction are important for takeoff and landing your aircraft safely.
- Wind direction only: A standard orange windsock may suffice.
- Wind direction and speed: Consider a striped windsock design for easier speed estimation.
- Regulatory compliance: Ensure you meet any applicable FAA or local regulations. The FAA Advisory Circular AC 150/5345-27F provides a detailed specification for airport windsocks.
- FAA Size 1 is 8 feet long with 18 inch diameter.
- FAA Size 2 is 12 feet long with 36 inch diameter
Visibility: How far away will it be viewed?
When purchasing a Windsock, you will first need to choose the diameter of the windsock. The larger the diameter, the farther away you will be able to see the windsock. We offer frames that support 8, 13, 18, and 24 inch windsocks. Depending on the diameter, the length of the socks range from 3 feet to 12 feet long. The most common lengths are 36 to 72 inches.
Reading a Windsock
A standard windsock wonโt be picked up from hanging until it is seeing about three knots of wind. It will be fully extended at about 15 knots. If the windsock has alternating white and orange bands around it, each band represents three knots of wind.
The wide end of the windsock is open to catch the wind, while the narrow end is closed. The tail (narrow end) points in the direction opposite to where the wind is coming from. The windsock points in the direction from which the wind is blowing. If the windsock is fully extended horizontally, it indicates that the wind is blowing directly from that direction with at least 15 knots of windspeed. So, if you see a windsock with its wide end facing east and the tail pointing west, it means the wind is blowing from the east towards the west.
We offer both Orange and White and solid Orange windsocks along with high quality ball bearing windsock frames that are in stock and available for immediate shipment. They are all proudly Made in the USA! Shop Airport Windsocks here. If you have any questions, please call us at 480-556-0500.