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How to Read a Windsock

Pilot Institute

The wide end of a windsock points into the wind, while the narrow end indicates its direction. Standard FAA aviation windsocks are calibrated to fully extend at a wind speed of 15 knots. Regular inspection of windsocks makes sure you receive reliable wind information. Extended halfway: Winds are around 7-8 knots.

Knot 98
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Turbulence

Air Facts

Turbulence Air Facts Journal Space is infinite in its complexity. And tampering our mental reserves with turbulent mischief. Turbulence is unpredictable. All three axis of an aircraft are subject to the vagaries of turbulence. The mechanical force is via the wind velocity and direction.

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Arriving in Style

Plane and Pilot

We often end up at higher altitudes to escape the wind shear layer, cumulus buildups, and turbulence below. Of course, in the descent, we will encounter each of these turbulence producers again, and at a higher airspeed. So, I am careful to watch the speed heading downhill into the turbulence.

Descent 56
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Flying Through the Center of a Trough Should Have Been Uneventful

Flying Magazine

Along with several other forecasts not shown here, this made me believe that a route around the west side of Washington would provide the least exposure to adverse weather, especially as it relates to convective turbulence. Our groundspeed was a meager 72 knots as we descended on the glideslope. Crisis averted.

Weather 108
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AIRMETs Vs. SIGMETS: What’s the Difference?

Pilot Institute

These weather alerts each have their own role: AIRMETs warn about moderate conditions like turbulence, icing, and limited visibility, which can affect smaller or less equipped aircraft. SIGMETs alert pilots to more severe weather events like thunderstorms, volcanic ash, or strong turbulence that could pose serious risks to any flight.

UTC 52
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Drone Lingo Simplified: Acronyms Every Pilot Needs To Know

Pilot Institute

AIRMETS – Airmans Meteorological Information An AIRMETS is a weather advisory that warns pilots about moderately hazardous conditions like turbulence, icing, and limited visibility. What this simply means is that the wind speed and/or direction is rapidly changing at a relatively low altitude. SIGMETs are issued by the AWC.

Pilot 52
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What was one of the scariest moments in your life?

Air Facts

But, with a frontal system approaching, the conditions were expected to worsen over the hours subsequent to our passing through, including the chance for moderate to severe turbulence. At first it was just gradually, then more decidedly, evolving into moderate turbulence. But the turbulence would continue to worsen. We weren’t.