Universal placement of wind sock

Badger

Badger

Pattern Altitude
Joined
Dec 29, 2011
Messages
2,136
Display Name
Display name:
Badger
Wouldn't it be nice for all runways to have the wind sock at the same relative location, such as just to the right of the numbers? Often it's hard to find an airports wind direction indicator, even when you know where it's supposed to be.

Wind socks aren't that expensive.
 
They do often tend to be placed in a spot not convenient for the pilot.

And I know the correct routine is overfly the field and observe the sock so you can make a runway decision. I can see the segmented circle easy enough, but many of the socks are too small to see from 1500-2000 AGL.
 
We have parralle runways, there is a wind sock at the standard mid field well off to one side. Plus one at each end between the runways. And on some days they'll point in 3 different directions. Plus there is the super huge US flag at the local casino. That is the best wind indicator for about 50-60ft AGL.
 
Some are mounted to the side of the FBO building. Not easy to see from 1000' or more up.
 
We have one mid field and one on each end of the runway,never are the three in agreement,however we are a towered airport.
 
Do you guys really use the windsock upon entering a non towered pattern?
 
BillTIZ said:
We have parralle runways, there is a wind sock at the standard mid field well off to one side. Plus one at each end between the runways. And on some days they'll point in 3 different directions. Plus there is the super huge US flag at the local casino. That is the best wind indicator for about 50-60ft AGL.
Click to expand...

Casino near airport? Where is this?

I've always felt there should be as many flags (not just wond socks) scattered around the field that safety will allow.
 
Our AWOS can be inaccurate with an easterly wind. I would love to have a couple more windsocks around the runway especially since we're pretty prone to wind shear.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
 
Was just talking about this last night it's directly behind me to the left or all the way in front of me over the hill no way to see !!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Not entirely sure how you could have a universal placement because of different airport layouts and buildings, etc.
 
eman1200 said:
Casino near airport? Where is this?

I've always felt there should be as many flags (not just wond socks) scattered around the field that safety will allow.
Click to expand...

0L7, Jean NV, 20nm south of Las Vegas

Walking path, sidewalk from airport ramp to Casino. A lot of pilots stop for fuel (self serve) and walk over for lunch or breakfast. They avoid the Class B traffic for an easy fuel stop.
 
Yes, it would be nice, but the variations in airport boundaries, runway layout, trees and terrain around the airport, etc., make it impossible to come up with a "one location fits all" solution.
 
There are also other considerations to siting a wind sock (officially "wind cone"), like safety area boundaries, etc. The FAA recommends end-of-runway wind socks be located to the left of the runway, outside the runway safety area. And these are frangibly mounted. Usually, the main wind sock isn't frangibly mounted and has to be located even farther from the runway. You just have to look for it. If the airport will keep a fairly new sock, they usually aren't that hard to see. Check your airport diagram.
 
Jaybird180 said:
Do you guys really use the windsock upon entering a non towered pattern?
Click to expand...

I use AWOS, the windsock, and (when on short final) the wind on the water at the arrival end of our island airport. It is usually the best wind indicator.
 
And if you are on base and crabbing away from the runway, you know something is wrong (you are landing with the wind). Etc.
 
Badger said:
Wouldn't it be nice for all runways to have the wind sock at the same relative location, such as just to the right of the numbers? Often it's hard to find an airports wind direction indicator, even when you know where it's supposed to be.

Wind socks aren't that expensive.
Click to expand...

Agreed!!! In 10 years of flying, I've never understood that. At Waukesha, there is one windsock and one tetrahedron near the tower, but when you are departing Rwy 10, it's virtually impossible to see either.
 
Ron Levy said:
Yes, it would be nice, but the variations in airport boundaries, runway layout, trees and terrain around the airport, etc., make it impossible to come up with a "one location fits all" solution.
Click to expand...

True, but the AFD could note non standard locations, similar to the notation when right traffic is required.
 
We have a main windsock at midfield with two small runway end windsocks. Like everyone else, they never point in the same direction.
 
Jaybird180 said:
Do you guys really use the windsock upon entering a non towered pattern?
Click to expand...

I sure do because I know the damn weather sensor setup at my airport is tucked behind the hangars and tall corn about as far away from the runway environment as can be. Why they put it there and who signed off on that I'll never know :mad2:
Wish we still had our homemade wind tee.
 
EppyGA said:
Why wouldn't you? You always trust the AWOS or ASOS? :dunno:
Click to expand...

All the places you land have AWOS?

I fly into a place that has at least 3, and for the most part they never agree.
 
coloradobluesky said:
And if you are on base and crabbing away from the runway, you know something is wrong (you are landing with the wind). Etc.
Click to expand...

Crabbing on base tells you much more than the winds, it tells you your pattern is too damn big!
 
JHW said:
Every time. What do you use, the force ?
Click to expand...

Not much choice anyhow, can't see it when setting up. Overflights won't work over the home drone or my secondary home.

I do think the disagreements when I am selecting takeoff direction can be interesting.

Here's a thought: at what wind speed does it begin to matter anyway (for landing)?
 
Badger said:
True, but the AFD could note non standard locations, similar to the notation when right traffic is required.
Click to expand...
Since there isn't any "standard" location, how could they decide which is "non-standard"? In any event, they're shown on the airport diagrams in the A/FD where such diagrams exist.
 
ja_user said:
All the places you land have AWOS?

I fly into a place that has at least 3, and for the most part they never agree.
Click to expand...

one of the local airports has AWOS, but the sensors are placed in a berm behind the FBO. the report even says that winds are unreliable. that was money well spent. :lol:
 
Ron Levy said:
Since there isn't any "standard" location, how could they decide which is "non-standard"?...
Click to expand...

I was referring to the scenario in which they would be standard/consistent.
 
I've had good luck with using smokestacks nearby to get a general idea of what runway to come in on.

Obviously, more useful in populated areas where more of them exist.
 
I live under one corner of the pattern at T-82( Gillespie County Airport, Fredericksburg,Tx. I have a 36' tower w/antenna in my back yard that is no longer in use. I've ordered a frame and 18"dia.x5'windsock. I plan on removing the antenna and mounting the windsock. I hope it will be of use to those you coming to T-82. Look for it in the pattern, south east corner of runway 14
 
Segmented Circles. It's all about Segmented Circles. I can't find windsocks without a Segmented Circle. Here's what I built at 0T3 when I was based there and volunteer managed it.

From the air:

attachment.php


From the ground (before the seed was planted and circle built):

attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3293-cropped-small.jpg
    IMG_3293-cropped-small.jpg
    66.2 KB · Views: 50
  • IMG_3097.jpg
    IMG_3097.jpg
    43.1 KB · Views: 51
Last edited:
It's pretty rare when I actually have to check out the windsock at the places I typically fly to. If there aren't already people in the pattern ("all traffic in the area please advise hahahahaha") then the AWOS and/or knowledge of prevailing winds are good enough to choose the correct field most of the time. And if they aren't, it's not a big deal to switch, as nobody is in the pattern anyway.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top