Definition
A weather product displayed on a Multi-Function Display (MFD) that shows forecast wind speed and direction at selected altitudes, presented visually as wind barbs or arrows overlaid on a map. The pilot can typically choose the altitude layer (for example, 3,000 ft, 6,000 ft, 9,000 ft, etc.), and the display shows the forecast winds aloft for that layer across the route or region.
Plain English
A map view on the cockpit screen that shows which way the wind is blowing, and how strong it is, at the altitude you choose to look at.
Context Anchor
Seen on cockpit weather displays, especially on an MFD when reviewing weather along a planned route.
Why Pilots Care
Gives an immediate visual picture of headwinds, tailwinds, and crosswinds so the pilot can choose the best altitude and route without scanning numbers.
Grounding Statement
The display turns wind information into a picture on the map so the pilot can quickly judge what the air is doing along the route.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “graphical” means the display is only a general illustration. In this context, it means wind information is being shown visually on the flight display, usually tied to location and sometimes altitude.
Example Sentence 1
Before climbing to cruise, the pilot pulled up the WIND page on the MFD and compared forecast winds at 6,000 and 9,000 feet to pick the altitude with the best tailwind.
Example Sentence 2
Graphical wind data on the display showed a helpful tailwind along the planned route.