Airport Windsocks and the Role They Play
Why windsocks play a fundamental role in the airport’s infrastructure Contrary to popular belief, airport windsocks are much more than mere decoration; they serve as a means of measuring the wind flow, as well as its speed and direction. With the help of these handy tools, the pilots can accurately read these crucial metrics and adjust their flight plan accordingly. As you might have guessed, it’s of paramount importance for them to be visible during the night. To achieve this, extra lighting is often used, but it’s still a good idea to pick a windsock color that contributes to their visibility. An orange windsock often works best. Furthermore, it’s important they’re made in a way to be as durable and resistant as possible; this includes resistance to fire, aggressive chemicals, and UV rays. A nylon windsock is often the best type of material to choose for this purpose, especially because it allows the windsock to resist becoming rigid in cold weather. Dependin...