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by ChaiCustard on January 15th, 2008

ChaiCustard

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How does a flying plane's pilot determine wind ground-speed and direction with the onboard sensors? (or is this not done?)

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  • by Fly Forever on January 21st, 2008

    Fly Forever

    During preparation for landing, there are multiple ways that wind speed is determined. It depends on the situation and the type of flying involved.

    In a small private plane landing at an airport with no tower, there are two basic ways to determine this. The first way is to fly over the airport and look out the window. Most small airports that are not attended by ATC have a large brightly colored wind sock flying somewhere near the runway. Looking at the intensity and which way its blowing is usually ample information to determine which side of which runway you need to land on. If the wind appears to be a heavy crosswind, then this may warrant an approach aimed into the wind with corrections made just before touchdown. Almost all small planes also have weather radio or a weather computer that can provide instant updates. If the airport has a tower, you can radio them and ask for the wind conditions.

    In commercial aviation, this information is constantly updated and provided on the onboard computers. All commercial planes have weather equipment that is instantly available to the pilots. There are also wind sensors on the plane that provide headwind, tailwind, or cross wind speed information throughout the flight. Commercial aircraft always land at larger airports that have a constantly attended control tower. Once again, pilots can radio and ask for wind conditions.

    Wind conditions are extremely important to pilots landing and taking off. These numbers are used to determine which approach pattern and runway are best. The wind is also a great factor in determining the amount of thrust needed and the speed needed to safely land. Since planes takeoff and land into the wind, pilots have to get this information beforehand. We use atmospheric cues as well, but this information has to be attained by means of sensors, computers, and air traffic control.

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