to see a flag rolling lazily from side to side;
it announces not only the direction of
the wind but that it is moderate. I do not
like to see a flag standing out straight and
quivering; it means I’m going to have a
really interesting landing, especially if it’s
a crosswind.
Lakes and ponds have a glassy area
along their upwind edges; the more it
extends toward the middle of the lake,
the lighter the wind. Note that streaks
along the ruffled parts indicate strong
winds, as well as showing you the exact
angle of wind.
Trees, the deciduous kind, tend to
ruffle along their upwind sides.
Dust is generally only worthwhile if
the wind is very strong, so that you can
see it streaming downwind from what-
ever stirred it up. Otherwise, it merely
arises behind vehicles and gives the false
impression that the wind is coming from
ahead of them.
Those aviation forebears
of ours were able to
read the winds almost
anywhere they went by
looking at clotheslines.
Clothes on a line are good—or
would be if you ever saw them. Talk
about ancient lore. Does anybody still
hang clothes out to dry? Those aviation
forebears of ours were able to read the
winds almost anywhere they went by
looking at clotheslines. These days, not
so much.
STAYING CURRENT
As I fly along I make a point of con-
sciously noting any of these indicators of
wind, partly to keep tabs on whether the
surface wind is changing since I took off,
and partly so I’ll be prepared in the event
of a forced landing.
Dave Matheny, EAA 184186, is a private pilot
and an FAA ground instructor. He has been flying
light aircraft, including ultralights, for 30 years. He
accepts commissions for his art and can be reached
at DaveMatheny3000@yahoo.com.
