If wind direction cannot be reported via radio, the operator shall install a wind direction indicator.

If wind direction cannot be reported via radio, the operator shall install a wind direction indicator.

• A. Wind vane
• B. Wind direction indicator (wind sock)
• C. Weather beacon
• D. Anemometer

Answer: (B)

When wind direction reporting isn’t available by radio, the field needs a visible cue for pilots to judge wind during takeoff and landing. The windsock is the device designed for that purpose: it points in the exact wind direction and its level of fullness gives a rough sense of wind speed. This makes it easy for pilots to assess wind conditions from a distance and from different approaches. A wind vane does indicate direction, but it’s typically part of a meteorological station and not as readily readable by pilots from the air or runway area. A weather beacon conveys general weather information, not specifically wind direction. An anemometer measures wind speed, not direction.

When wind direction reporting isn’t available by radio, the field needs a visible cue for pilots to judge wind during takeoff and landing. The windsock is the device designed for that purpose: it points in the exact wind direction and its level of fullness gives a rough sense of wind speed. This makes it easy for pilots to assess wind conditions from a distance and from different approaches.

A wind vane does indicate direction, but it’s typically part of a meteorological station and not as readily readable by pilots from the air or runway area. A weather beacon conveys general weather information, not specifically wind direction. An anemometer measures wind speed, not direction.