We are often asked what are the standard Colours & Dimensions for Windsocks (or Wind Indicators)
Aviation Windsocks
For aviation purposes, White is decreed for the Primary Windsock and Yellow for the Secondary Windsock. Windsocks are by regulation (CASA) 8 foot (2400mm) or 12 foot (3600mm) for larger airfields and airports as well as many pastoral airstrips. The accepted CASA dimensions are 3600mm x 900mm diameter x Tail 250mm. For smaller airstrips 2400mm x 600 x 300. Helicopter Landing Sites are also 2400 mm. Reflective Tape is now sewn on to the Tail of all our Windsocks to aid night vision. We also supply Aviation Windsocks to offshore countries who notionally follow the European format of Red/White striped Windsocks. Case in point here being Vanuatu International Airport following the French tradition.
Special Purpose Windsock Colours & Dimensions
Windsocks in this category range from 4 foot (1200mm) to 6 foot (1800mm) long and fall into the following colour categories;
Yellow/Neon – Fluorescent Yellow
Yellow is perhaps the most visible and is useful colour when viewing the wind indicator from the ground on a cloudy day against a sky full of white or grey clouds. The colour yellow is visually seen from the furthest distance away. Yellow windsocks are suitable for hazardous gas or chemical factories or storage facilities. The colour yellow is classified as an official BIO Hazard warning colour, especially concerning workplace safety such as environmental and personnel protection from toxic or hazardous gases, chemical leaks, fumes and airborne particulates.
Orange/Neon/Florescent Orange Windsocks
Orange (a very popular colour) windsocks are generally used on building or road construction sites for dust control, additionally as a warning indicator for traffic safety. Used extensively also in the mining, oil and gas industries. The Water Corporation WA specifies either white or orange for windsock assemblies used at Water Corporation sites that store chlorine and/or ammonia.
Red Windsocks
Red windsocks are used as a warning colour on rifle ranges, at gun clubs, shooting events, mine sites, quarries, explosive detonation sites, explosive storage, fireworks displays, explosive building demolishing or in fact, for any areas that maybe dangerous to the public, work place, or work site personnel. Red windsocks are often selected by organisations for promotional purposes with contrasting white lettering which is a real standout.
Pink and Magenta Windsocks
Pink or magenta windsocks are used in or near bushland, forests, vineyards, farms, wetlands or grasslands, due to other windsock colours possible blending in with the surrounding natural backgrounds, or fruit trees, vines or shrubs when in blossom. Also for use when aerial spraying. Having said that the demand for these two colours is practically non-existent.
White Windsocks
White windsocks are used for the primary wind indicator at airports, helipads or airfields. Additionally, white fabrics are natural in colour, and hence do not fade over a long period of time. Environmental factors such as engine exhausts, factory pollution, airfield or roadside dust will contribute to discolouration. A pristine example was produced for Microflite Melbourne.
Green Windsocks
Green windsocks are used by orchardists, viticulturists, or farmers when fruit trees, vines or shrubs are in blossom for pump spray pesticide drift monitoring.
Purple Windsocks
Purple windsocks can be used where industry regulations permit or for use against light reflective building constructions, hence providing a visually solid windsock colour. Demand is very limited for purple windsocks.
Windsocks Banded Red/White; Orange/White; Yellow/Black & Other Colour Combinations
Banded windsocks are widely used throughout Europe and are increasing in popularity as well as being standard requirement along with Neon Orange for offshore oil and gas related vessels for helidecks as well as onshore helipads.
Banded windsocks with fluorescent night view strips either in silver or yellow are becoming more popular. This potentially saves having to illuminate the windsock. Simply shine your torch or vehicle lights on the windsock and the wind direction is instantly shown.
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