Definition
The horizontal movement of air relative to the ground, described by its direction (where it is coming from, in degrees) and speed (in knots). In aviation reports and forecasts, wind direction is given as a three-digit number referenced to true north in written products and to magnetic north in spoken ATC and ATIS broadcasts.
Plain English
Air moving across the ground. Pilots care about which direction it is coming from and how fast it is blowing.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation weather information, airport notices, and flight planning material where space is limited.
Derivation
Wind comes from Old English and has long meant moving air. That simple root helps: in aviation, wind is still moving air, but pilots use it very precisely for takeoff, landing, navigation, and weather decisions.
Why Pilots Care
Wind direction and speed determine runway selection, crosswind limits, takeoff and landing performance, and enroute fuel burn.
Grounding Statement
If the air is moving across the ground, the airplane will feel and respond to that movement during taxi, takeoff, flight, and landing.
Intuition Check
Do not read wind direction as where the wind is going. In aviation, wind direction normally means where the wind is coming from.
Example Sentence 1
The METAR reported WND 27015KT, so we briefed runway 27 for a direct headwind on landing.
Example Sentence 2
A 30-knot headwind on final approach reduced our groundspeed and shortened the landing roll.