Definition
Wind conditions in which speed varies rapidly and unpredictably, with sudden brief increases of 10 knots or more above the average wind speed. Gusts may also shift in direction, producing uneven and changing forces on the airplane during takeoff, landing, and low-altitude flight.
Plain English
Wind that keeps surging and easing rather than blowing steadily, so its strength and sometimes its direction change from one moment to the next.
Context Anchor
Seen in takeoff and liftoff discussions, airport weather reports, and runway wind information when the wind is reported with gusts.
Derivation
Gust' comes from the Old Norse 'gustr', meaning a sudden blast or rush of wind. The word has carried that same meaning of a brief, forceful surge into modern aviation use.
Why Pilots Care
During liftoff, gusty winds can produce sudden changes in airspeed and lift, requiring immediate control corrections to maintain directional control and proper rotation timing.
Grounding Statement
Picture the airplane just leaving the runway as the wind briefly drops off after a burst; the wings can momentarily have less airflow than they had a second earlier.
Intuition Check
Gusty does not simply mean windy. It means the wind is changing quickly, which is what makes the airplane harder to control near the ground.
Example Sentence 1
With gusty winds reported at the field, the pilot added a few knots to the approach speed to maintain better control during the flare.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot delayed rotation slightly when encountering gusty winds on the takeoff roll to avoid settling back onto the runway.