Plain English Meaning

Wind is air moving sideways across the ground. Currents are air moving up or down. Pilots have to deal with both, because air moves in every direction, not just one.

Full Definition

The horizontal and vertical movement of air in the atmosphere. Wind refers primarily to horizontal air motion across the Earth's surface, while currents refer to vertical air motion (rising or descending air). Together they describe how air moves in three dimensions and directly affect aircraft performance, handling, and flight planning.

Context Anchor

You encounter this term in weather study, preflight planning, takeoff and landing decisions, and while correcting the airplane’s path in flight.

Derivation

Wind' comes from Old English 'wind,' meaning moving air. '' comes from Latin 'currere,' to or flow -- the same as '' and 'occur.' A current is air that is 'running' in a particular direction, which is why the word is used for vertical air movement just as it is for flowing .