Silly question

[dazraz]

I know this is a really silly question, but can anyone tell me the name of the red cloth object that is found at runways that tells the pilot which direction the wind is blowing ?

[Hagar]

A windsock. It's usually bright orange.

[dazraz]

Thanx Hagar  ;D

[jordonj]

Anybody else not see it moving?

I never see it moving

[garymbuska]

If the windsock is not moving then there is not enough wind to make it move. Try increasing the wind and see if it moves.
By the way in the real world not all airports use a wind sock some use a directional triangle shaped device that serves the same purpose. probably still called a wind sock though. It just made of metal instead of cloth. I saw one of these at a small airport in Opaleusos LA Sorry about the spelling.

[Hagar]

The triangle you describe might have indicated that radio landings were taking place. Most airfields use a windsock to show the wind direction. Various other signals can be laid out on a ground signals square, usually in front of the control tower. These were essential in the days of no radio contact. Many smaller airfields/airstrips use a white painted Landing Tee to show the wind direction. Depending on the design this can be rotated manually or act in the same way as a weather vane.

Windsocks can also give you some idea of the wind strength. It can vary but most windsocks are designed to fly horizontal at 20 knots.

[wji]

It takes an eight-knot wind to make the windsock fly full-out. This gives the crew an indication of the wind's velocity as well as direction.
Bill
P.S. i have no idea if this is the case in FS9; this information is for those who find it useful; others may ignore.

[Hagar]

It takes an eight-knot wind to make the windsock fly full-out. This gives the crew an indication of the wind's velocity as well as direction.
Bill
P.S. i have no idea if this is the case in FS9; this information is for those who find it useful; others may ignore.

I stand corrected Bill. This might be so today but it was 20 knots in my day. I would also point out that this was in the UK. It might be different where you are.

[wji]

Hey, we're both online at the same time!  I missed your post re: 20kts so would be (normally) somone reticent about contradicting someone as knowledgeable as yourself. Yes, my reference is Canadian, which, as we all know, is a long way from the UK ;-)
thnx for all your help this forum
bill

this is the only reference i can cite at this time; it applies to the US:

"But when NTSB investigators freed it under wind conditions similar to those Mr. Robinson faced, the sock extended straight out, revealing winds of about 10 knots, with gusts in excess of 15 knots, according to the report. (Fifteen knots equals 19.5 mph.) "

[Hagar]

Thanks Bill. You might well be correct. My knowledge of windsocks is a little out of date.

I'm sure there's an international standard for windsocks used at regular airports. I can't find the info right now. The important thing is to be familiar with the ones used at the airfields you fly from & learn to read them. It might come in handy if the radio fails.

[Eskimo]

If you set the weather ot a heavy wind (24+ kts) then the windsock will be buffeted up and down.  It's the only thing in the FS world that moves with wind.