Landing T
Visual indication of landing direction and runway orientation at suitable aerodromes.
View Details Airfield Visual Aids
Illuminated Windsock & Mast for Airport Wind Indication
Highly visible wind-direction indication, day and night
Illuminated Windsock & Mast systems give pilots and airport personnel an immediate visual indication of wind direction at an aerodrome. Illumination keeps the windsock visible at night and in reduced ambient light. Precision AGL Solutions supports configurations for airports, heliports, runway environments and general aviation facilities.
Supplied by Precision AGL Solutions
Product Overview
Illuminated Windsock & Mast
What It Is
The windsock responds to the prevailing wind and gives pilots and airport personnel an immediate visual indication of wind direction. Illumination allows it to remain visible during night-time operations and periods of reduced ambient lighting.
Typical System
The complete system typically consists of:
- Mast structure
- Windsock
- Rotating support assembly
- Illumination arrangement
- Mounting hardware
- Foundation or anchoring provisions
Applications
Where Illuminated Windsocks Are Installed
Civil airportsPrimary wind indication for civil aerodromes.
Military & defenceMilitary and defence aerodromes.
HeliportsHeliport operating areas.
General aviationGeneral aviation facilities.
Runway environmentsRunway environments.
Operational areasAirport operational areas.
Training aerodromesTraining aerodromes.
Remote airfieldsRemote or auxiliary airfields.
Location and installation should keep the windsock clearly visible to the intended operating areas without creating an obstruction or interfering with other aerodrome visual aids.
Wind Direction & Night-Time Illumination
Seen in Daylight and in the Dark
Wind Direction Indication
The open end of the sock faces into the wind and the tail points downwind, so the wind is blowing from the open end towards the tail.
The amount of inflation and extension can also give a qualitative indication of wind strength, but the windsock is not a substitute for calibrated meteorological instrumentation where quantitative wind measurements are required.
ICAO Annex 14 requires a truncated fabric cone at least 3.6 m long and 0.9 m across at the larger end, visible from 300 m height. Use a single colour, preferably white or orange, or five alternate bands of orange/white, red/white or black/white with the first and last band the darker colour. At least one indicator must be illuminated at an aerodrome used at night.
Night-Time Illumination
The illumination system provides visibility during darkness and other low-light conditions, lighting the windsock without unnecessary glare, excessive light spill or interference with aircraft operations.
Depending on configuration, illumination may be integrated with the mast assembly or installed as a dedicated lighting arrangement, selected according to the airport's visual-aid requirements and operational environment.
Main System Components
What a Typical System May Include
- Windsock
- Mast
- Rotating support assembly
- Windsock mounting ring or support
- Illumination system
- Lighting support arrangement
- Mast base
- Foundation or anchoring system
- Mounting hardware
- Electrical connection provisions
- Optional access or maintenance arrangements
Exact components depend on the selected system configuration.
Technical Data
Specification Summary
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Illuminated Windsock & Mast |
| Application | Airport wind-direction visual indication |
| Mast Height | Configuration-specific |
| Windsock Size | Configuration-specific; ICAO minimum 3.6 m long, 0.9 m diameter |
| Windsock Material | Model-specific |
| Windsock Colour/Pattern | White or orange, or banded orange/white, red/white or black/white |
| Rotation Assembly | Low-friction rotating arrangement |
| Illumination | Integrated or configuration-specific |
| Lighting Source | Model-specific |
| Electrical Supply | Project-specific |
| Mast Material | Configuration-specific |
| Foundation Requirement | Project/site-specific |
| Mounting Arrangement | Configuration-specific |
| Cable Entry | Model/project-specific |
| Wind Performance | Manufacturer/site-specific |
| Environmental Performance | Application-specific |
| Corrosion Protection | Configuration-specific |
| Operating Environment | Outdoor aerodrome environment |
| Maintenance Access | Configuration-specific |
| Dimensions | Model-specific |
| Weight | Model-specific |
Note: Exact mast height, windsock dimensions, illumination power, electrical supply, structural design, wind rating, foundation dimensions and material specifications should be confirmed against the selected system and site requirements.
Construction
Mast, Windsock and Rotation Assembly
Mast
The mast supports the windsock assembly and illumination equipment and must suit continuous outdoor exposure and the expected environmental loading. Material and surface treatment depend on:
- Environmental conditions
- Corrosion exposure
- Structural requirements
- Wind loading
- Maintenance requirements
- Airport project specifications
The final mast arrangement should be engineered for the specific site where required.
Windsock
Made from suitable outdoor fabric that keeps its visual characteristics and integrity in the expected conditions, and able to rotate and respond freely to changing wind direction.
- Dimensions
- Fabric construction
- Weather resistance
- UV exposure
- Colour retention
- Wind loading
- Visibility
- Attachment method
- Replacement requirements
Rotation Assembly
Allows the windsock to align naturally with the wind. A suitable bearing or rotating arrangement should provide:
- Smooth rotation
- Low mechanical resistance
- Reliable outdoor operation
- Adequate structural support
- Resistance to contamination
- Suitable service life
Inspect periodically to ensure free response to wind changes.
Illumination & Electrical Connection
Light the Windsock Without Affecting Operations
Illumination Design Considerations
- Lighting coverage
- Light intensity
- Uniformity of illumination
- Electrical supply
- Fixture mounting
- Environmental protection
- Maintenance access
- Light spill and glare
- Compatibility with airport visual-aid requirements
The arrangement should not adversely affect aircraft operations or nearby visual aids.
Electrical Installation
Where the windsock is electrically illuminated, design the installation to the applicable airport electrical requirements. Consider:
- Supply voltage
- Current
- Cable type
- Protective devices
- Earthing/bonding
- Cable routing
- Junction boxes
- Weatherproof connections
- Isolation arrangements
- Lightning and surge protection where specified
Electrical components should be protected for outdoor installation.
Foundation & Installation
The Foundation Is Part of the System
Foundation Depends On
- Mast height
- Mast construction
- Site soil conditions
- Wind loading
- Equipment weight
- Foundation arrangement
- Local structural requirements
- Airport civil engineering requirements
Design and construct to the approved structural and civil design. Where the mast stands in an area that must be kept clear of objects, such as a runway strip, it should be as low and as frangible as functionally possible. Securely anchor and correctly align the mast before the windsock assembly is installed.
Site Selection
Position the windsock where it is readily visible from aircraft in flight and on the movement area, and free from air disturbance caused by nearby buildings, trees or other objects, which would give a false wind indication. Consider:
- Pilot line of sight
- Runway and taxiway operations
- Heliport operating areas
- Obstructions
- Buildings and structures
- Trees and vegetation
- Other visual aids
- Lighting installations
- Meteorological equipment
- Security requirements
- Maintenance access
Visibility & Environmental Performance
Consider Size, Colour, Height and Location Together
Visibility Is Affected By
- Background structures
- Terrain
- Vegetation
- Weather
- Ambient lighting
- Windsock condition
- Mast location
- Illumination performance
Windsock size, colour arrangement, mast height and location should therefore be considered together.
Environmental Performance
The system operates continuously outdoors and should suit the expected:
- Wind conditions
- Rainfall
- Humidity
- Temperature variation
- Solar radiation
- Dust
- Corrosive atmosphere
- Seasonal weather conditions
Coastal or industrial environments may need additional corrosion protection. Inspect the fabric periodically, as UV exposure, weathering and movement can affect its condition.
Installation Procedure
A Typical Installation Sequence
- Confirm the approved installation location
- Verify foundation and civil works
- Confirm mast and equipment dimensions
- Install foundation hardware or anchors
- Erect the mast per the manufacturer's procedure
- Install the rotating assembly
- Install the windsock
- Install the illumination equipment
- Complete electrical connections
- Verify mechanical rotation
- Check illumination
- Confirm visibility from the intended operating areas
- Complete commissioning documentation
The actual procedure should follow the manufacturer's instructions and approved project drawings.
Commissioning, Inspection & Maintenance
Keeping a Moving Outdoor Visual Aid in Service
Commissioning Checks
- Mast stability
- Foundation and anchor inspection
- Correct windsock attachment
- Free rotation of the windsock
- Correct orientation and configuration
- Illumination operation
- Electrical connection verification
- Cable protection
- Identification and labelling
- Night-time visibility
- Overall visual inspection
Routine Inspection
- Fabric condition, tears or fraying
- Colour deterioration
- Attachment condition
- Rotation assembly and bearings
- Mast structure and corrosion
- Foundation condition and fasteners
- Electrical cables
- Lighting equipment and enclosures
- Night-time illumination
Perform electrical testing per the airport maintenance programme where applicable.
Maintenance Activities
- Cleaning the windsock
- Inspecting fabric; replacing worn windsocks
- Checking rotation mechanism and bearings
- Checking mast fasteners
- Removing corrosion; inspecting coatings
- Checking foundation condition
- Cleaning lighting equipment
- Checking electrical connections
- Replacing defective lighting components
Set intervals from the airport maintenance programme, environment and manufacturer recommendations.
Windsock Replacement
When a Windsock Needs Replacing
Causes of Replacement
- Fabric deterioration
- UV degradation
- Tearing
- Fraying
- Loss of colour
- Mechanical damage
- Weather exposure
Replacement Requirements
Replacement windsocks should match the approved system dimensions and attachment arrangement, and maintain the required visual characteristics of the original installation.
Troubleshooting
Symptoms, Causes and Checks
Windsock Does Not Rotate Freely
Possible causes
- Bearing contamination
- Mechanical obstruction
- Damaged rotation assembly
- Excessive friction
- Incorrect installation
- Damaged support components
Inspect the rotating assembly and correct the mechanical issue before returning the system to service.
Windsock Does Not Fully Extend
Possible causes
- Low wind conditions
- Damaged fabric
- Excessive friction
- Incorrect windsock installation
- Waterlogged or contaminated fabric
Inspect to determine whether the issue is environmental or mechanical.
Illumination Not Working
Possible causes
- Loss of electrical supply
- Failed lighting equipment
- Cable fault
- Loose connection
- Protective device operation
- Damaged wiring
Check the electrical supply and lighting system systematically per the approved maintenance procedure.
Poor Night-Time Visibility
Possible causes
- Failed or degraded lighting source
- Dirty optical surface
- Incorrect fixture alignment
- Damaged windsock
- Inadequate illumination
- Environmental obstruction
Inspect the complete illumination arrangement rather than replacing the lighting component without identifying the cause.
Procurement Checklist
Before Requesting a Windsock & Mast System
Please provide:
- Intended airport or heliport application
- Mast height requirement
- Windsock size
- Windsock colour/pattern requirement
- Illumination requirement
- Electrical supply
- Installation location
- Environmental conditions
- Foundation information
- Wind/environmental design requirements
- Mounting requirements
- Maintenance access requirements
- Airport authority specification, where applicable
A site layout or photograph can also assist with configuration review.
Documentation & Standards
Technical Documentation and References
Documentation
- Product datasheet
- Windsock dimensions
- Mast dimensional drawing
- Structural information
- Foundation requirements
- Illumination specifications
- Electrical connection details
- Installation instructions
- Maintenance instructions
- Spare-part information
- Project-specific technical documentation
Standards / References
Select and install according to the applicable aerodrome visual-aid requirements, airport authority specifications and project design criteria. References may include:
- ICAO Annex 14 Vol. I, Chapter 5 (wind direction indicator; Vol. II for heliports) and Doc 9157 Part 4
- FAA AC 150/5345-27F (wind cone assemblies: L-806 lighted, L-807 unlighted) and AC 150/5340-30J
- Applicable national civil aviation requirements
- Airport authority standards
- Project-specific visual-aid specifications
- Applicable structural and electrical requirements
- Manufacturer installation instructions
Confirm applicable standard editions and local regulatory requirements for the specific project.
Why Choose Precision AGL Solutions
A Complete Visual-Aid System
We support airport visual-aid requirements with application-specific equipment selection. For illuminated windsock systems, our approach considers:
- Mast height
- Windsock dimensions
- Visibility requirements
- Illumination
- Rotation arrangement
- Site environment
- Foundation requirements
- Electrical supply
- Maintenance requirements
- Airport project specifications
This allows the windsock and mast to be considered as a complete visual-aid system rather than as separate components.
FAQ
Illuminated Windsock & Mast — Frequently Asked Questions
What is an illuminated windsock and mast?
The windsock responds to the prevailing wind and gives pilots and airport personnel an immediate visual indication of wind direction, and illumination keeps it visible at night and in low ambient light. A typical system consists of a mast structure, windsock, rotating support assembly, illumination arrangement, mounting hardware, and foundation or anchoring provisions.
How does a windsock show wind direction and strength?
The open end of the sock faces into the wind and the tail points downwind, so the wind is blowing from the open end towards the tail. The amount of inflation and extension gives a qualitative indication of wind strength, but a windsock is not a substitute for calibrated meteorological instrumentation where quantitative wind measurements are required.
What size and colour does ICAO require for a windsock?
ICAO Annex 14 requires a truncated fabric cone at least 3.6 m long and 0.9 m across at the larger end, visible from 300 m height. Use a single colour, preferably white or orange, or five alternate bands of orange/white, red/white or black/white with the first and last band the darker colour. At least one indicator must be illuminated at an aerodrome used at night.
How is a windsock illuminated at night?
The illumination system lights the windsock without unnecessary glare, excessive light spill or interference with aircraft operations. Depending on the configuration, illumination may be integrated with the mast assembly or installed as a dedicated lighting arrangement, selected according to the airport's visual-aid requirements. The design should not adversely affect aircraft operations or nearby visual aids.
Where should an illuminated windsock be sited?
Position it where it is readily visible from aircraft in flight and on the movement area, and free from air disturbance caused by nearby buildings, trees or other objects, which would give a false wind indication. Also consider pilot line of sight, runway and taxiway operations, obstructions, other visual aids, security and maintenance access. Where the mast stands in an area that must be kept clear of objects, such as a runway strip, it should be as low and as frangible as functionally possible.
What does the mast foundation depend on?
The foundation depends on mast height, mast construction, site soil conditions, wind loading, equipment weight, local structural requirements and the airport's civil engineering requirements. Design and construct it to the approved structural and civil design, and securely anchor and correctly align the mast before the windsock assembly is installed.
What is the typical installation sequence?
A typical sequence is to confirm the approved location, verify the foundation and civil works, install foundation hardware or anchors, erect the mast per the manufacturer's procedure, install the rotating assembly, windsock and illumination equipment, complete the electrical connections, verify mechanical rotation, check illumination, confirm visibility from the intended operating areas, and complete the commissioning documentation. The actual procedure should follow the manufacturer's instructions and approved project drawings.
What inspection and maintenance does a windsock system need?
Routine inspection covers the fabric (tears, fraying, colour deterioration), attachment condition, the rotation assembly and bearings, mast structure and corrosion, foundation condition and fasteners, electrical cables, lighting equipment and enclosures, and night-time illumination. Maintenance includes cleaning the windsock, replacing worn fabric, checking the rotation mechanism, fasteners and electrical connections, and cleaning or replacing lighting components. Set intervals from the airport maintenance programme, the environment and manufacturer recommendations.
When does a windsock need to be replaced?
Replacement is needed for fabric deterioration, UV degradation, tearing, fraying, loss of colour, mechanical damage or weather exposure. A replacement windsock should match the approved system dimensions and attachment arrangement and maintain the required visual characteristics of the original installation.
What are the common faults on an illuminated windsock?
Typical faults are a windsock that does not rotate freely (bearing contamination, mechanical obstruction, damaged rotation assembly, friction), one that does not fully extend (low wind, damaged or waterlogged fabric, friction, incorrect installation), illumination not working (loss of supply, failed lighting, cable fault, loose connection, protective device operation) and poor night-time visibility. Inspect the complete illumination arrangement rather than replacing a lighting component without identifying the cause.
Which standards apply to windsocks and masts?
References include ICAO Annex 14 Vol. I Chapter 5 (wind direction indicator; Vol. II for heliports) with Doc 9157 Part 4, FAA AC 150/5345-27F (wind cone assemblies: L-806 lighted and L-807 unlighted) and FAA AC 150/5340-30J, together with applicable national civil aviation requirements and airport authority standards. Confirm the applicable standard editions and local regulatory requirements for the project.
What information is needed to request a windsock and mast system?
Provide the intended airport or heliport application, mast height, windsock size and colour or pattern, illumination requirement, electrical supply, installation location, environmental conditions, foundation information, wind and environmental design requirements, mounting and maintenance access requirements, and any airport authority specification. A site layout or photograph can also help the configuration review.
Procurement Information for Indian Projects
Indian public tenders commonly ask for the documents below. State which ones your tender requires when you send the enquiry, so they are covered in the quotation.
- Manufacturer / OEM authorisation
- Country of origin and local-content declaration (for Make in India purchase preference)
- Type-test and routine-test certificates, and the FAA / ICAO / IEC compliance documents named in the specification
- Datasheets, drawings and installation instructions
- Warranty, delivery period and spares support
- GeM catalogue or tender-portal requirements, where applicable
Request Windsock and Mast Configuration
Need an illuminated windsock system for an airport, heliport or general aviation facility? Send us the required mast height, windsock size, illumination requirement, electrical supply, installation location and site/environmental information. We can support configuration review for new installations, replacement systems and airport rehabilitation projects.
- Emailprecisionaglsolutions@gmail.com
- Websiterahulsharmaagl.in
- LinkedInPrecision AGL Solutions
- Phone+91 98214 96412
Engineering Note
An illuminated windsock should be considered as part of the aerodrome's overall visual-aid system. Visibility, mast height, windsock dimensions, rotation performance, illumination, structural loading, foundation design and installation location should be coordinated during project design.
The final configuration should comply with the applicable airport visual-aid requirements and the approved project design.
Product Disclaimer
Product availability, configuration, dimensions, electrical characteristics, photometric performance, certifications and compliance status depend on the selected manufacturer and project specification. The technical values published on this page should not be treated as a substitute for the manufacturer's current approved Technical Data Sheet.
Final selection shall be based on the approved project specification, applicable aviation standards, authority requirements, manufacturer documentation and site conditions. Use of this page is also subject to the Legal Notice, Disclaimer & Terms of Use.
Standards and editions referenced on this site are listed on the Standards Reference page.