Airport wind direction indicators need to remain visible, move freely through 360 degrees and operate without obstruction from worn fabric, binding hardware, vegetation or nearby structures. Use this checklist to document routine inspections and decide when the sleeve, frame hardware or lighting needs service.
Use this checklist with the aerodrome manual, CASA Part 139 MOS and the equipment manufacturer's instructions. The inspection cadence is adapted from FAA visual-aid maintenance guidance; CASA requirements and the aerodrome's approved procedures govern Australian certified-aerodrome use.[1][2]
Download the Two-Page Australian Airport Windsock Field Checklist (PDF)
Wind Cone Record
| Field |
Record |
| Airport or facility |
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| Runway or location |
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| Wind cone ID |
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| Primary or additional |
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| Aerodrome manual reference |
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| Lighted or unlighted |
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| Windsock size |
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| Inspector |
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| Inspection date |
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| Work order |
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Inspection Schedule
Daily — Lighted Wind Cones
The following daily lighting checks are adapted from FAA visual-aid maintenance guidance; apply the aerodrome manual and lighting manufacturer instructions.[1]
- ☐ Confirm all wind-cone lights operate at night.[1]
- ☐ Look for dim, intermittent or failed lamps.[1]
- ☐ If a photocell is installed, confirm that it switches the lights on.[1]
- ☐ Record the defect and follow the manufacturer's electrical troubleshooting procedure.
Monthly — Fabric, Motion and Vegetation
The following monthly movement, fabric and vegetation checks are adapted from FAA visual-aid maintenance guidance.[1]
- ☐ Confirm the cone assembly can rotate freely through 360 degrees.[1]
- ☐ Watch for binding, hesitation, uneven movement or contact with the structure.
- ☐ Examine the full fabric body, seams, throat and attachment points.[1][2]
- ☐ Look for wear, rot, heavy soiling, fading, tears, loose stitching and abrasion.
- ☐ Confirm the throat remains fully supported and open.
- ☐ Confirm water can drain from the frame and basket area.
- ☐ Remove or schedule removal of vegetation that restricts motion or visibility.[1]
- ☐ Confirm pilots have an unobstructed view of the wind cone from the intended approach and takeoff paths.[2]
Every Two Months — Non-LED Lighting
FAA visual-aid maintenance guidance addresses lamp age and cleaning globes when non-LED lamps are replaced. For LED systems, follow the manufacturer and aerodrome manual.[1]
- ☐ Review lamp age against the manufacturer's rated life.[1]
- ☐ Replace lamps as a group when required by the maintenance program.
- ☐ Clean globes during lamp replacement.[1]
- ☐ For LED lighting, follow the lighting manufacturer's inspection instructions.
Semiannual — Bearings and Electrical Condition
- ☐ Check bearings for free movement and signs of contamination.[1]
- ☐ Lubricate only as directed by the assembly manufacturer.
- ☐ In dusty locations, inspect whether bearings need cleaning and repacking.[1]
- ☐ In freezing weather, investigate sluggish movement and use only manufacturer-approved cold-weather service procedures.[1]
- ☐ Have qualified electrical personnel complete the applicable insulation or power-adapter checks.[1]
Annual — Structure, Wiring and Grounding
- ☐ Check base securing bolts and tighten to the manufacturer's specification.[1]
- ☐ Inspect hinge-area wiring or slip-ring connections on internally lighted assemblies.[1]
- ☐ Repair frayed, loose or pitted electrical components through qualified personnel.[1]
- ☐ Inspect grounding connections and complete required resistance testing through qualified personnel.[1]
- ☐ Check the structure's coating for corrosion, peeling or exposed metal.
- ☐ Touch up or repaint using the approved maintenance specification.
- ☐ Inspect the foundation and clear vegetation around it.[1]
Fabric Replacement Decision
FAA visual-aid maintenance guidance says to replace the fabric sleeve when it is badly worn, rotted, soiled or faded.[1]
Replace the fabric when:
- ☐ Wear, rot, fading or soiling prevents reliable visibility or operation.
- ☐ Tears, failed seams or damaged attachment points affect the fabric's integrity.
- ☐ Abrasion damage is visible where the fabric contacts the frame.
- ☐ The throat cannot remain properly attached and fully open.
- ☐ Blocked drainage or retained water cannot be corrected without replacing the fabric.
- ☐ The fabric no longer matches the specification required by the airport's approved program.
For Australian certified-aerodrome use, confirm the exact requirement before ordering. CASA Part 139 MOS specifies a 3.65 m tapering sleeve, 900 mm at the widest end and 250 mm at the narrow end, mounted on a rigid frame that keeps the sleeve open and allows free 360-degree movement.[2]
Frame or Assembly Service Decision
CASA Part 139 MOS requires a rigid frame that keeps the widest end open, keeps the sleeve attached to the pole and allows free movement through 360 degrees.[2]
Remove the assembly from normal service and investigate when:
- ☐ The frame binds or cannot rotate freely after approved cleaning and lubrication.
- ☐ Bearings, bushings or the vertical shaft show damage or excessive play.
- ☐ The throat frame is bent, distorted or no longer holds the opening fully open.
- ☐ Corrosion or cracking affects structural integrity.
- ☐ The support, base, hinge or fasteners are loose or damaged.
- ☐ Lighting or wiring defects cannot be corrected through the approved maintenance procedure.
- ☐ The wind cone is no longer readily visible from its intended operating area.[2]
Do not treat an informal field observation as a certification test. Use the aerodrome manual, CASA Part 139 MOS, the manufacturer's procedure and qualified personnel when formal serviceability or performance assessment is required.[2]
After Severe Weather, Impact or Maintenance Work
Complete an additional inspection after:
- a suspected vehicle, mower, snow-removal or aircraft strike;
- a severe wind event that may have damaged the fabric or support;
- work on the frame, support, bearing, lighting or foundation;
- a pilot or operations report of unreliable wind indication.
Record the observed condition, corrective action, parts replaced and return-to-service authorization under the aerodrome's maintenance process.
Siting and Visibility Check
CASA Part 139 MOS requires a wind direction indicator to be visible from aircraft in flight or on the manoeuvring area and not affected by air disturbance from buildings or structures.[2]
- ☐ Primary wind cone is readily visible to pilots.
- ☐ Supplemental wind cone has an unobstructed view from the intended runway end.
- ☐ Vegetation, parked equipment, construction or new structures do not block the view.
- ☐ Any proposed relocation is reviewed against the aerodrome manual and applicable CASA requirements.
Corrective Action Log
| Date |
Finding |
Immediate Action |
Parts or Work Required |
Owner |
Closed Date |
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Match the Replacement Windsock and Frame
Before ordering, record the existing throat diameter, effective length, frame diameter, attachment method and operating requirement. Do not assume that a pole includes a frame or that every airport windsock meets Australian certified-aerodrome requirements.
Sources
[1]
FAA AC 150/5340-26C — Maintenance of Airport Visual Aid Facilities
[2]
CASA Part 139 (Aerodromes) Manual of Standards 2019 — current compilation
Revision: November 2026. Review against the aerodrome manual, CASA Part 139 MOS and the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
