Definition
The current state of the wind at or near an airport, described by its direction (where it is blowing from, in degrees relative to true or magnetic north) and its speed (in knots), including any gusts or variability. Wind conditions determine which runway is in use and influence takeoff, landing, and traffic pattern decisions.
Plain English
What the wind is doing right now at the airport — which way it's blowing from and how strong it is.
Context Anchor
Pilots check wind conditions before entering the airport traffic pattern, choosing a runway, taking off, or landing.
Why Pilots Care
Wind conditions determine which runway is usable and whether a safe takeoff or landing is possible within the aircraft's limits.
Grounding Statement
If the wind is blowing across the runway, the airplane will tend to move sideways unless the pilot corrects for it.
Intuition Check
Do not read wind conditions as only meaning “windy or not windy.” In aviation, it includes direction, speed, gusts, and changes that affect how the airplane moves.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot checked the ATIS for current wind conditions before selecting the landing runway.
Example Sentence 2
Strong and gusty wind conditions prompted the pilot to add extra airspeed on final approach.