Definition
The wind measured at or near ground level, typically reported in degrees true (in METARs and aviation forecasts) or degrees magnetic (when given by ATC for takeoff and landing), along with speed in knots. Standard measurement is taken approximately 10 meters (33 feet) above the surface in an open, unobstructed area.
Plain English
The wind blowing at ground level, given as the direction it's coming from and how fast it's moving.
Context Anchor
Seen in takeoff and landing planning, airport weather reports, runway selection, and performance discussions.
Derivation
Surface comes from Latin roots meaning the upper face or outside of something. In aviation, surface wind means the movement of air near the earth’s surface, where the airplane takes off, lands, and moves on the ground.
Why Pilots Care
Determines crosswind component, runway choice, and aircraft handling limits during takeoff and landing.
Grounding Statement
A windsock near the runway gives a simple visual clue about the surface wind at that airport.
Intuition Check
Surface wind does not mean wind exactly touching the pavement. It means the wind near ground level, as opposed to wind higher above the ground.
Example Sentence 1
The ATIS reported surface wind 240 at 12, gusting 18, so the pilot selected runway 24 for landing.
Example Sentence 2
Before taxiing, the pilot checked the surface wind to confirm it remained within the aircraft's crosswind limits.