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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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Flying Through the Center of a Trough Should Have Been Uneventful

Flying Magazine

As we turned to intercept the localizer, the winds were 360 at 53 knots at 2,000 feet, according to our wind vector on the primary flight display. Our groundspeed was a meager 72 knots as we descended on the glideslope. The wind was 52 knots at 2,500 feet and decreased to nearly calm at 6,500 feet.

Weather 108
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A Touristy Timeout for Safety

Plane and Pilot

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. As we walked from the wharf to breakfast, I saw that peak wind gusts were tickling the 40-knot mark.

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Turbulence

Air Facts

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.

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Types of Thunderstorms in Aviation: From Simple to Severe

Pilot Institute

Thunderstorms create turbulence, wind shear, and icing risks for aircraft. Squall line thunderstorms have the potential for severe weather conditions, including strong straight-line winds, microbursts, wind shear, and flooding. But, they bring risks like wind shear, microbursts, and hail.

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AIRMETs Vs. SIGMETS: What’s the Difference?

Pilot Institute

for any of the following: Severe thunderstorm due to: Surface winds greater than or equal to 50 knots. Example : EMBD TS OBS AT 061500Z 60SSE TUS MOV E 30KT TOP FL350 translates to an embedded thunderstorm observed at 15:00 UTC, 60 nautical miles southeast of Tucson, moving east at 30 knots, with a top altitude of 35,000 feet​.

UTC 52
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What Is a SPECI and When Is It Issued?

Pilot Institute

A sudden wind shift, a 10-knot or greater speed increase, a 45-degree or more direction change, or gusts exceeding limits may also cause a SPECI. Wind Information The next thing you will find is wind information. This includes the wind direction in degrees and the wind speed in knots.