Definition
The transparent panel at the front of an aircraft cockpit, positioned ahead of the pilot, that shields occupants from the airstream while providing forward visibility. On gliders and some training aircraft, a yaw string is taped to the outside of the wind screen so the pilot can see how the relative wind is striking the aircraft.
Plain English
The clear window at the front of the cockpit that the pilot looks through. It keeps the wind out and lets you see ahead.
Context Anchor
Seen in cockpit descriptions and in yaw string discussions, especially on aircraft where the yaw string is mounted on or near the front window.
Derivation
“Wind screen” comes from “wind” plus “screen,” meaning a shield or barrier. That helps here because it is not a display screen; it is a clear shield against the wind.
Why Pilots Care
A clean, undamaged windscreen is essential for maintaining visual reference during takeoff, landing, and visual flight.
Intuition Check
Do not read “screen” as an electronic display here. In this context, a wind screen is the aircraft’s clear front window or shield.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor pointed to the yaw string taped to the outside of the wind screen and explained how its angle showed coordinated flight.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight walk-around, the student pilot inspected the windscreen for cracks or dirt that could reduce visibility.