Winds are reported in what reference when written data are consulted?

Winds are reported in what reference when written data are consulted?

• A. True north
• B. Magnetic north
• C. Direction relative to the aircraft
• D. Ground speed

Answer: (A)

Winds are given relative to true north in aviation weather data. The direction is the bearing from which the wind is blowing, expressed in degrees true, with wind speed in knots. Using true north provides a consistent, fixed reference worldwide, since magnetic north shifts with location and over time. A wind direction relative to the aircraft isn’t a fixed reference, and ground speed is a speed, not a reference for wind direction. So true north is the standard reference.

Winds are given relative to true north in aviation weather data. The direction is the bearing from which the wind is blowing, expressed in degrees true, with wind speed in knots. Using true north provides a consistent, fixed reference worldwide, since magnetic north shifts with location and over time. A wind direction relative to the aircraft isn’t a fixed reference, and ground speed is a speed, not a reference for wind direction. So true north is the standard reference.