Simviation Forum - Silly question

Jul 2^nd, 2004 at 9:41am

dazraz Offline
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I know this is a really silly question, but can anyone tell me the name of the red cloth object that is found at runways that tells the pilot which direction the wind is blowing ?

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Reply #1 - Jul 2^nd, 2004 at 9:44am

Hagar Offline
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A windsock. It's usually bright orange.

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Reply #2 - Jul 2^nd, 2004 at 9:46am

dazraz Offline
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Thanx Hagar Grin

To most people, the sky is the limit. To those who love aviation, the sky is home.&&&&The only time an aircraft has too much fuel on board is when it is on fire

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Reply #3 - Jul 2^nd, 2004 at 9:59am

jordonj Offline
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Anybody else not see it moving?

I never see it moving ???

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Reply #4 - Jul 2^nd, 2004 at 12:23pm

garymbuska Offline
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If the windsock is not moving then there is not enough wind to make it move. Try increasing the wind and see if it moves. 8)
By the way in the real world not all airports use a wind sock some use a directional triangle shaped device that serves the same purpose. probably still called a wind sock though. It just made of metal instead of cloth. I saw one of these at a small airport in Opaleusos LA Sorry about the spelling.

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Reply #5 - Jul 2^nd, 2004 at 1:04pm

Hagar Offline
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The triangle you describe might have indicated that radio landings were taking place. Most airfields use a windsock to show the wind direction. Various other signals can be laid out on a ground signals square, usually in front of the control tower. These were essential in the days of no radio contact. Many smaller airfields/airstrips use a white painted Landing Tee to show the wind direction. Depending on the design this can be rotated manually or act in the same way as a weather vane.

Windsocks can also give you some idea of the wind strength. It can vary but most windsocks are designed to fly horizontal at 20 knots.

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Reply #6 - Jul 2^nd, 2004 at 1:16pm

wji Offline
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It takes an eight-knot wind to make the windsock fly full-out. This gives the crew an indication of the wind's velocity as well as direction.
Bill
P.S. i have no idea if this is the case in FS9; this information is for those who find it useful; others may ignore.

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Reply #7 - Jul 2^nd, 2004 at 1:20pm

Hagar Offline
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Quote:

It takes an eight-knot wind to make the windsock fly full-out. This gives the crew an indication of the wind's velocity as well as direction.
Bill
P.S. i have no idea if this is the case in FS9; this information is for those who find it useful; others may ignore.

I stand corrected Bill. This might be so today but it was 20 knots in my day. I would also point out that this was in the UK. It might be different where you are.

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Reply #8 - Jul 2^nd, 2004 at 1:37pm

wji Offline
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Hey, we're both online at the same time! I missed your post re: 20kts so would be (normally) somone reticent about contradicting someone as knowledgeable as yourself. Yes, my reference is Canadian, which, as we all know, is a long way from the UK Wink

thnx for all your help this forum
bill

this is the only reference i can cite at this time; it applies to the US:

"But when NTSB investigators freed it under wind conditions similar to those Mr. Robinson faced, the sock extended straight out, revealing winds of about 10 knots, with gusts in excess of 15 knots, according to the report. (Fifteen knots equals 19.5 mph.) "

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Reply #9 - Jul 2^nd, 2004 at 1:59pm

Hagar Offline
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Thanks Bill. You might well be correct. My knowledge of windsocks is a little out of date. Roll Eyes

I'm sure there's an international standard for windsocks used at regular airports. I can't find the info right now. The important thing is to be familiar with the ones used at the airfields you fly from & learn to read them. It might come in handy if the radio fails. Wink

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Reply #10 - Jul 3^rd, 2004 at 12:58am

Eskimo Offline
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If you set the weather ot a heavy wind (24+ kts) then the windsock will be buffeted up and down. It's the only thing in the FS world that moves with wind.

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