Step 4: Next we look at the table on figure 2b and see what value is closest to 45o. Since the WS of 10 knots is the same as the 10 knots we used to calculate the maximum wind correction angle WCAmaxour maximum wind correction angle for this wind speed is going to be the same: 4o.

Step 4: Next we look at the table on figure 2b and see what value is closest to 20o.

Step 4: Next we look at the table on figure 2b and see what value is closest to 25o. IV - Comparing the mental estimation method with the exact formula Although using the exact formula for calculating WCA would defeat the purpose of doing the mental estimation, we can use it here to compare and see how close our estimations were. Substituting the values in the equation: How to determine wind direction while flying WCA calculated by the formula is 3o. This is the same result we got using mental estimation.

The WCA calculated by the formula is 6o. Substituting the values in the equation: The WCA calculated by the formula is 1o. This result we got using mental estimation was 2o so we are off by 1o. The ground speed and track direction can be calculated by repeatedly measuring the location of the aircraft and dividing the distance by the time between measurements, or with modern aircraft it can be read directly from the GPS display. Wind speed and direction can be calculated by subtracting the true air speed vector from the ground speed vector.

You might also want to avoid sailing in a strong offshore breeze until you're confident of your ability to sail upwind -- unless, of course, you've always wanted to make that mile trip to the other side of the bay. There are several ways to get an idea of wind strength and direction before you head out on the water. The first is simply your own observation.

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As author Dave Perry once said, "When I wake up and see my mailbox blowing sideways, I get a sudden urge to mow the lawn. This offers a good way to judge how hard it's blowing by looking at the activity of the trees. Be careful of underestimating the wind this way, however. There will usually be more breeze out on the water than in the seclusion of your own backyard.

Another way to get an idea of wind strength and direction is by listening to the weather report on your local radio station.

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Don't put too much faith in these predictions, however, since they're often generalizations bearing little resemblance to reality. When I was sailing as a kid, our local weatherman used to broadcast from the station's airplane while flying over Long Island Sound. We'd be sitting in our boats, totally becalmed, when out of our radios would come a report that the wind was blowing knots from the south. We used to joke that the weatherman was holding his anemometer out the window how to determine wind direction while flying the plane.

These are continuous weather updates on special frequencies. They provide information such as: "Winds will be south to southwest this morning at 5 to 10 knots, shifting to westerly this afternoon and building to 15 to Wave heights one to three feet on the bay, three to six feet on the ocean. Small craft advisories will be in effect this afternoon and small craft warnings should be heeded after tonight. High tide at Long Point at pm. Once you've decided that conditions are satisfactory for sailing, it's time to head out on the water. Here it will be easier to gauge wind direction and strength because you are not shielded by trees or buildings, and you can easily see the wind on the water. Wind Direction An experienced sailor knows the wind direction at all times. This information is very important for trimming your sails and handling your boat properly.

When we talk about wind direction, we mean where the wind is blowing from not where it's going to. There are a number of ways to determine this. When I learned to sail, I was taught a method known to old salts as "holding a finger to the wind.

Wherever you feel the most coolness on your finger is where the wind is coming from. I can't say I've used this method too recently, but I think it still works. A more reliable guide, for both wind direction and strength, is simply the feel of the wind on your body. Determine the number of degrees of needle deflection from the zero position, and double this amount for the interception angle.

Turn to the desired MB the number of degrees determined for the interception angle. Maintain the interception heading until the needle is deflected the same number of degrees from the zero position as the angle of interception minus lead appropriate to the rate of bearing change. Turn inbound and continue with tracking procedures.

If the needle is pointing in front of your intercept angle, you have not reached the bearing to be intercepted. How to determine wind direction while flying it points behind the intercept position, you have passed your bearing. The wind sock turns toward the wind and fills out to varying degrees depending on wind speed.

Purchase a wind map. These are useful for applications such as long-distance sailing or weather balloon monitoring.

How to determine wind direction while flying Video

Wind Indicators and Landing Direction The more the smoke trail leans into a certain direction, and the longer how to determine wind direction while flying is, the stronger the wind.

How to determine wind direction while flying - think

May 15th, How to Determine Wind Speed with a Flag Have you ever been out in the wind and wondered what the wind speed was? Did you know that you can judge wind speed by looking at your flag? Math Method When a flag is on a pole perpendicular to the ground, determine what the the angle between the pole and the bottom side of the flag is, then divide by 4.

For example, if the angle of your flag with the pole is approximately 40 degrees, the wind speed is roughly 10 mph. Eyeball Method Another way to determine the wind speed of a flag is how much it is moving in the wind. When watching a flag flying on an in-ground flagpole, there are few ways it could be waving. Who knew there were multiple ways a flag could fly. Stage one: If the flag is not moving, then the wind speed is below 11 mph. When your flag is left out in a stage five wind, the flag will start to fray much sunrise bible quotes than if you take your flag in for a day or two.

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