Background
In Australia, CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) is the government body that regulates Australian aviation safety. They license pilots, register aircraft and oversee safety.
CASA enforces the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (CAA) to ensure the safety of civil aviation, with emphasis on preventing aviation accidents and incidents. Forming the basis of the CAA are the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASRs), which contain the Manual of Standards (MOS) and Advisory Circulars (AC).
As far as Windsocks (also referred to as Wind Direction Indicators) at certified aerodromes are concerned, the following CASRs are relevant:
- MOS – Part 139 (Aerodromes) Manual of Standards 2019 – Chapter 8, Division 7: Wind direction indicators
- MOS – Part 139 (Aerodromes) Manual of Standards 2019 – Chapter 9, Division 5: Illuminated Wind direction indicators
- AC 139.C-09 v1.0 – Visual Aids, Markings, Signals and Signs
Wind Direction Indicators (Windsocks) – Summary of Requirements:
Reference should be made to the full text of the CASRs, a summary (ONLY) of which is set out below:
- there must be installed and maintained at least one Wind Direction Indicator (Windsock). In some situations CASA may give orders that more than one wind direction indicator be installed;
- The position of the Wind Direction Indicator (Windsock) is set out in the CASRs. The Wind Direction Indicator (Windsock) shall be as close as possible to being 6.5m above the ground;
- The Wind Direction Indicator (Windsock) shall be 3650mm long, 900mm Ø mouth diameter, and 250mm Ø tail diameter;
- The mouth must be mounted on a rigid frame that: (a) keeps the end of the sleeve open; and, (b) keeps the sleeve attached to the pole; and, (c) allows the sleeve to move freely through 360 degrees around the pole;
- The preferred colour for the Wind Direction Indicator (Windsock) shall be white;
- At a non-controlled aerodrome, the pole of at least 1 Wind Direction Indicator (Windsock) must be located in the centre of a 15m diameter circle, coloured black, and bordered by a white perimeter or white markers;
- At aerodromes with more than one Wind Direction Indicator (Windsock), any additional Wind Direction Indicator (Windsock) must comply with Division 7 except that the sleeve colour may be yellow or orange;
- an aerodrome intended for night use at least 1 Wind Direction Indicator (Windsock) shall be lit in accordance with Chapter 9, Division 5.
Again, the full requirements of the CASRs should be referred to.
Uncertified Aerodromes
At an uncertified aerodrome, it is an operator’s and/or the pilots responsibility to determine suitability of the facility for use, in addition to the procedures to be followed. Refer to Aerodrome categories.
Further guidance is set out in AC 91-02 Guidelines for aeroplanes with MTOW not exceeding 5700kg – suitable places to take off and land.
Chapter 8.3 explains that the Windsock has been used for many years to provide pilots with wind direction and strength and sets out further interpretative information. It further explains that conditions that cause the Windsock to vary rapidly in direction, or where two Windsocks are available – a difference in direction or speed between the two is observed, these conditions should be treated with caution.
Windsocks Australia
Windsocks Australia has been supplying Windsocks, poles, frames and illuminated Windsocks, to the Aviation Industry in Australia (and throughout Asia Pacific) for 20+ years, enabling pilots and operators to comply with CASA Standards. Please contact us for more information.
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