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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-windsock-points-into-wind

Which end of a wind sock points into the wind?

The large end.

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  1. The large end ✔
  2. The small end
  3. Neither, it points with the wind

Why: The AIM says the large end of a wind cone or wind sock points into the wind, as does the cross bar end of a wind tee. The sock also helps you guess wind speed and gusts.

Huh, didn't know that: A wind sock may sit in the center of a segmented circle, which shows the traffic pattern direction.

The dad joke
Why did the wind sock look so proud? It always knows which way the wind blows.
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References

Answer: The large end. The AIM says the large end of a wind cone or wind sock points into the wind, as does the cross bar end of a wind tee. The sock also helps you guess wind speed and gusts.

  1. AIM Chapter 4 Section 3, Airport Operations www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap4_section_3.html
    The large end of the wind cone/wind sock points into the wind as does the large end (cross bar) of the wind tee.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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