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Author Topic: Need help making a windsock  (Read 518 times)

Offline Angus

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Need help making a windsock
« on: July 29, 2009, 05:06:30 AM »
Yes, I need some assistance making a windsock, and thought I should try in my dear and beloved forum ;)
Nearby I have the old framework for a windsock, but the bag is long gone, so I'll have to sew myself a new one. (cough *****with a house full of ladies that won't me me)
So, what I am curious about is material, colours and then if there is a formula for the cut. Length & degrees where it narrows down.
All help appreciated, and I will post later on WHY I am doing this, as well as WHY I must be finished tomorrow night.  :rock
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Offline mensa180

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Re: Need help making a windsock
« Reply #1 on: July 29, 2009, 05:31:30 AM »
What size is the frame?  Couldn't you use the front and end diameters (and length) to get your angles?  Do you have an idea of what sort of size you're shooting for?  I don't know anything about making a windsock, but I'm up, bored, and feel like figuring it out  :lol


edit:  This could be of some help. 

edit 2:  More

If this is for an airport in your backyard then it is your choice of material, for the FAA, but I'm not sure about the JAA.
« Last Edit: July 29, 2009, 05:39:32 AM by mensa180 »
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Offline Angus

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Re: Need help making a windsock
« Reply #2 on: July 29, 2009, 05:46:51 AM »
It's for a grass strip, and just for the pilots having a general idea of windspeed and direction.
Next weekend is THE travel weekend, and lots of pilots go fly & camp. However, my fields are smooth and comfortably close to both a supermarket and the pilot's favourite, - the liquor store  :t
I welcome all pilots and offer them a parking space for nothing and it's popular. Well, "nothing" means I get lots of rides in different aircraft, hehe.
Had quite a spin in a Jodel the other day. What a beauty!!!
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It was very interesting to carry out the flight trials at Rechlin with the Spitfire and the Hurricane. Both types are very simple to fly compared to our aircraft, and childishly easy to take-off and land. (Werner Mölders)

Offline mensa180

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Re: Need help making a windsock
« Reply #3 on: July 29, 2009, 05:48:53 AM »
Must be great Angus :).  I'd call or email the JAA and ask for specifics. 
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Offline uptown

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Re: Need help making a windsock
« Reply #4 on: July 29, 2009, 06:22:30 AM »
tie a condom on a stick. place stick in ground just off runway. you are now clear for takeoff  :x
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Offline mensa180

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Re: Need help making a windsock
« Reply #5 on: July 29, 2009, 06:54:44 AM »
Would parachute material work? 
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Offline Angus

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Re: Need help making a windsock
« Reply #6 on: July 29, 2009, 07:50:19 AM »
It's way over caliber. I think something like tent-material would be better. Will be looking at this soon. I'll let you know and later on pot pictures ;)
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It was very interesting to carry out the flight trials at Rechlin with the Spitfire and the Hurricane. Both types are very simple to fly compared to our aircraft, and childishly easy to take-off and land. (Werner Mölders)

Offline Barrett

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Re: Need help making a windsock
« Reply #7 on: July 29, 2009, 08:54:11 AM »
Call your local Aeronautics Commission or equivalent - tell them what size frame you have. They may send you one or tell you where to get one. Fuel distributors sometimes have them as well.
« Last Edit: July 29, 2009, 09:01:19 AM by Barrett »
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Offline Dux

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Re: Need help making a windsock
« Reply #8 on: July 29, 2009, 12:41:26 PM »
The material is probably more of a critical thing than you think; a windsock doesn't just show wind direction, it indicates strength as well. When the outer segment of the sock sticks straight out, that means an 18-knot wind (IIRC) or greater... otherwise it hangs in various stages of limp. An important indicator, as knowledge of an 18-knot crosswind could make the difference of a successful takeoff or not.

The windsocks that I've held were heavy nylon, like a tent... definitely not like a parachute. I'm sure there's a spec out there for the proper weight of material.
Good luck!

[edit: correction... 15 knots]
« Last Edit: July 29, 2009, 02:13:54 PM by Dux »
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Offline avionix

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Re: Need help making a windsock
« Reply #9 on: July 29, 2009, 04:33:46 PM »
Depending on the size frame, it would be cheaper to buy one.  For a standard size frame, you would be looking at about $20-50.  Shoot me a PM if you are lookin for one.  One of my suppliers can get them to me fairly quickly.  I can get you the AH discount.   :D
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Offline morfiend

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Re: Need help making a windsock
« Reply #10 on: July 29, 2009, 07:36:06 PM »
 Kites!!!

 Look for a hobby store that sells kite making materials,they have dacron,nylon and other types of cloth that should be suitable for a windsock. Might even find some cool mounting hardware there too.

   :salute
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Offline DREDIOCK

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Re: Need help making a windsock
« Reply #11 on: July 29, 2009, 08:14:29 PM »
Quote from: uptown on July 29, 2009, 06:22:30 AM
tie a condom on a stick. place stick in ground just off runway. you are now clear for takeoff  :x

Theif!

I was gonna say extra extra large condom and attach it to a metal cloths hangar and attach to a long stick.
Well you get the idea

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Offline Roundeye

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Re: Need help making a windsock
« Reply #12 on: July 29, 2009, 08:24:11 PM »
Whenever you make it .......make a few of them.   The "real deal" ones at our heliport go away every year.  I'll watch them hang a nice new orange sock and next thing I know it's a white ripped-up rag.   Of course I'm in South Alabama and the sun is brutal. :cool:  I'm sure even in Iceland you still get your share of UV rays.  :)
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Offline mensa180

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Re: Need help making a windsock
« Reply #13 on: July 29, 2009, 10:40:32 PM »
Quote from: Dux on July 29, 2009, 12:41:26 PM
The material is probably more of a critical thing than you think; a windsock doesn't just show wind direction, it indicates strength as well. When the outer segment of the sock sticks straight out, that means an 18-knot wind (IIRC) or greater... otherwise it hangs in various stages of limp. An important indicator, as knowledge of an 18-knot crosswind could make the difference of a successful takeoff or not.

The windsocks that I've held were heavy nylon, like a tent... definitely not like a parachute. I'm sure there's a spec out there for the proper weight of material.
Good luck!

[edit: correction... 15 knots]

Thanks for the clear up Dux, I'm definitely no wind cone expert :).
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Offline Golfer

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Re: Need help making a windsock
« Reply #14 on: July 30, 2009, 10:56:43 AM »
Indeed wind socks are actually calibrated.  "Boner Conditions" with a fully extended windsock are 15 knots for aviation windsocks in the USA.

You can buy them for between 30 and 100 bucks depending on size.
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