Definition
Wind information displayed visually on a cockpit screen using symbols such as wind barbs, arrows, or color-coded overlays on a map, showing wind direction and speed at various altitudes and locations rather than presenting the data as text or numbers.
Plain English
A picture-based way of showing winds on a cockpit display. Instead of reading numbers, you see arrows or symbols on a map that tell you which way the wind is blowing and how strong it is.
Context Anchor
Seen on weather pages of electronic cockpit displays, especially when reviewing winds along a route or at different altitudes.
Derivation
‘Graphical’ comes from the Greek graphikos, meaning ‘relating to drawing or writing.’ In this context it simply means the data is shown as a picture or chart rather than as words or numbers.
Why Pilots Care
It lets pilots quickly scan wind patterns across a route to choose altitudes or adjust headings for better groundspeed and fuel use.
Intuition Check
Do not assume graphical wind data is exact, live wind at the airplane’s position. It is displayed wind information, and depending on the system, it may be forecast, reported, or delayed.
Example Sentence 1
Before departure, the pilot pulled up the graphical wind data on the MFD to compare winds at 6,000 and 9,000 feet along the route.
Example Sentence 2
Graphical wind data on the weather overlay showed a strong crosswind developing near the destination airport.