Definition
Visual devices located on or near an airport that show pilots the current direction and, in some cases, the approximate strength of the surface wind. Common wind indicators include the wind sock, wind tee, and tetrahedron. They allow pilots to determine which runway is favored for takeoff and landing when no control tower is operating, or to confirm wind information when one is.
Plain English
Things on the ground at an airport that show pilots which way the wind is blowing, so they can choose the right runway and land into the wind.
Context Anchor
You see wind indicators when approaching a nontowered airport, entering the traffic pattern, taxiing, or preparing for takeoff or landing.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots rely on wind indicators to select the correct runway for takeoff and landing, ensuring they always fly into the wind for maximum control and performance.
Intuition Check
Do not assume wind indicators are cockpit instruments or exact wind reports. In this context, they are visual airport cues that help a pilot judge wind direction and runway choice.
Example Sentence 1
On the way into the pattern at the non-towered field, the pilot checked the wind indicators in the segmented circle and chose runway 27 for landing.
Example Sentence 2
Before taxiing for departure the student pilot used the wind tee in the segmented circle to verify the active runway.