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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drone-metar-wind-true-north

In a METAR, wind 14021G26KT is from 140 degrees measured from what?

True north, at 21 knots gusting to 26.

  1. True north ✔
  2. Magnetic north
  3. The active runway heading

Why: Written weather reports like METARs give wind direction from true north in tens of degrees, with speed in knots. A G means gusts, followed by the peak gust.

Huh, didn't know that: In ATIS and ASOS or AWOS voice broadcasts, wind direction is given from magnetic north instead, a classic test trap.

The dad joke
I told my drone about the 26 knot gusts. It said it would try to roll with it.
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Sources

  1. FAA Remote Pilot Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22), Ch. 3a https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/remote_pilot_study_guide.pdf
  2. Aeronautical Information Manual 4-2-10 https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap4_section_2.html

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