Wind Reports

[Tee]

The answers to two quick questions would be appreciated:-

1. When an ATCO gives the indicated surface wind direction/speed, what does the wind have to be doing before its termed as "gusting"?

2. Under what circumstances are continuous wind reports given to an aircraft on final approach?

Thanks!

[Chilli Monster]

Gusts - 10kts or more greater than the mean.

Reports - As often as you want them or as often as the ATCO sees a marked change in the wind direction or speed. There are no laid down rules - common sense normally dictates it.

[Tee]

Thanks CM!

Continuing on the same theme, I have a vague recollection of reading somewhere that deviations of 10 kts headwind, 5 kts crosswind and 2 kts taikwind are advised to pilots - in what circumstances would this be the case or am I talking rubbish?!

[Chilli Monster]

Only military towers have crosswind / headwind resolvers - or at least they used to have them. We've got no way of giving you that sort of information in the civil world and there's no requirement to.

[Tee]

Thanks again CM, that was quick!

I do a bit of FISO-ing and A/G-ing to keep the wolf from the door while pursuing an ATPL. In these lowly capacities, I'm never sure whether or not to proffer a 'wind check' if I observe a marked change in wind speed/direction - 50% of pilots appreciate it and the rest detest it. One or two (notably commercial pilots flying light singles at the weekend) ask to be 'talked down' wind-wise, which is something I experienced and was happy with when learning to fly.

Where do I stand and what should I be doing?

[ModernDinosaur]

Tee: I'm a low-time PPL (85 hours) and I like to receive wind checks on final if (as our Ops staff say) the "carrot's a bit bendy". In more scientific terms, if the wind is more that about 10-15 knots and swings by more than ~20 degrees, especially if between 40-60 degrees from runway heading, then I like to be told about it. That said, if I want it, I've got a radio and I can ask for it.

Just my 2 euro-cents.

MD

[spekesoftly]

Some UK civil ATC units are equipped with Vaisala displays, which in addition to the usual surface wind, can also be selected to show cross-wind and tail-wind components.

[Barnaby the Bear]

As a met observer you must report the total variation in wind direction if it is 60 degrees or more, and the wind speed is greater than 3 knots. This is applicable when producing half hourly obs. I would therefore include any variations like this when giving the wind to pilots. If you feel it pertinant.