I have always been puzzled by Windsocks, never really understood how you got an accurate measurement of wind from them. Obviously they tell you which way the wind is blowing. Which I understand is helpful for the pilot. But how do you know how fast the wind is blowing? Surely a windsock is either up or down, right?
Turns out that’s not the case. A Windsock gives pilots very important clues as to how fast the wind is blowing. It’s all to do with the stripes. Depending on how much of the windsock is blowing in the wind is a good visual clue to wind speed.
Check out the graphic below for a full explanation. You can thank me next time you have to land a plane in an emergency.
Windsock Guide
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