A windsock is often found at airports near one or more of the runways. The windsock provides critical real-time information to aircraft concerning wind direction as well as wind speed. These are both very important pieces of information for pilots landing or taking off from the airport.
According to FAA regulations, a wind sock will respond to certain wind speeds in a specified manner. A 17 mph wind should fully extend the windsock while a 3 mph breeze should cause the windsock to orient itself against the wind.
Windsocks are often used near chemical plants or any area were the release of toxic gas is possible. It is critical for emergency personnel to know which way the wind is blowing the chemicals. Windsocks are also used near highways to help high profile vehicles be aware of wind speeds.
Windsocks are designed to be highly visible. Normally they are brightly colored, such as red or burnt orange. Most have stripes, which help the onlooker to clearly see how the windsock is deployed. Windsocks are also normally lit at night by some means.
It is important to remember that the wind direction is the opposite of the way the windsock is pointing. A windsock pointed south indicates a northerly wind.
