Knot Weather Wind Shear 
Pilot Institute
JANUARY 3, 2025
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. Let’s see how to figure out the wind direction.
Flying Magazine
APRIL 25, 2024
Over the last 25 years, I have been asked to speak on various aviation weather topics at dozens of aviation events and gatherings. During these events, it’s quite common for a pilot to walk up and ask me about how I handled my most challenging flight as it relates to weather. I spent an hour looking at the weather before we departed.
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Pilot Institute
OCTOBER 15, 2024
Weather experts classify storms as single-cell, multi-cell, squall line, or supercell. Thunderstorms create turbulence, wind shear, and icing risks for aircraft. Pilots should use weather forecasts and SIGMETs for safe flight planning. Key weather features include: Multiple updrafts and downdrafts.
Plane and Pilot
JANUARY 8, 2025
My time studying the weather proved itself well spent as the flight to Portland was uneventful and a beautiful sight. Dawn had broken bright and clear, and while icing , ceiling, and visibility had been my preoccupationrightfully so, given our arrival into Portlandthe actual threat of the day was wind.
Air Facts
OCTOBER 14, 2024
The mechanical force is via the wind velocity and direction. Wind velocity of greater than 20 knots with higher gusts, especially flowing over rough terrain, can lead to an unwelcome flight. I looked at the airspeed and it was jumping +/-5-10 knots. Ah, a wind shear and a lot worse was going to mess with our landing.
Pilot Institute
OCTOBER 17, 2024
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.
Pilot Institute
NOVEMBER 5, 2024
In aviation, staying ahead of the weather is a must. When weather conditions shift unexpectedly, that’s when a SPECI report comes in. A SPECI (or Special Report) offers a quick weather update between the routine METARs. Let’s explore how SPECIs are going to help you plan around unexpected weather twists.
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