Wind Sock

[mulwyk]

I'm preparing a farm landing strip for my beloved T-Craft. I sent in FAA form 7480-1 "Notice of Landing Area Proposal" and after two years I finally got a reply from the FAA airports district office. (Yes, it took two YEARS).

They had several recommendations, among them: "a non-obstructing wind indicator maintained adjacent to the takeoff/landing area" I think that would translate into English as: "install a windsock."

Questions:
1. What size windsock would be right for a 2000ft. used-a-few-times-a-year farm strip?
2. Looks like windsocks mostly come in orange or orange/white stripes... best color?
3. I'm thinking of mounting the windsock on the hangar gable-end. The hangar is located off the north end of the proposed landing strip...will I get a good-enough wind indication at that location?
4. The windsock will have to operate with minimum maintenance in a climate of extremes (I'm in South Dakota). Any recommendations for materials, design, brands?

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Wind Sock

Get material that won't break down in heavy sun. Orange and Red will fade pretty quick, but after you have flown there a few times you will be able to spot good wind indicators from things like crop swaying, smoke and dust. Just put it where it will be easy to reach with a ladder.

Hank

[3Dreaming]

Re: Wind Sock

What I have found here at our airport is socks need to be changed annually. If you don't next big storm will rip it to shreads. If you are the type to wait till it is gone have one on hand ,so you don't have to wait on a replacement. That being said you will want to be able to get to it to change it. I would think about a pole that is hinged so you can lay it down to change the sock. Tom

[mike lutz]

Re: Wind Sock

Hi Bob.I have a farm strip here in north west Ohio,and over the last 15 years have had the best durability with wind socks from Scotts Sales.They have a small add in Trade-a-plane.I don't have their info at this time.Will look for it though.I use the 18in.x 6ft sock,and attatch it with hog rings.I am very well satisfied with the service of their wind socks.This strip has been here since 1946,and these have been the best wind socks so far.I have it mounted on the hangar about 8-10 ft above the roof about mid way back.I take a 7 ft step ladder up on the roof to change it.(fairly flat roof)It is also a bright orange,and very little fading over a couple years.Hope this helps.

[mike lutz]

Re: Wind Sock

Scotts Sales Inc.
3209 E. Empire Ave
Benton Harbor Mi. 49022
1-800-982-8565

[Fred Johnson]

Re: Wind Sock

I replaced ours with a 18'x6' from Windtek, including their frame, we get some good wing w/summer tstorms, we have broken grommets etc. I like the windtek with out grommets. I have been very happy with it. I replaced our pole with a folding one, 3' in the ground in concrete and 15' above, four bolts at the base plate and hinges down. I also have a small windtek on our fence, both work great and have not frozen this year. www.bestwindsocks.com

[birdlegs]

Re: Wind Sock

In Wyoming we bury a 12' lodge pole pine with 4' piece of 3/8" log chain nailed to the end.
When the chain is sticking straight out,=nice day to fly, when the links are flying off the end =windy day to fly.

[Guest]

Re: Wind Sock

in wyoming we bury a 12' lodge pole pine with 4' piece of 3/8" log chain nailed to the end.
When the chain is sticking straight out,=nice day to fly, when the links are flying off the end =windy day to fly.

lol!