Free Windsock Inspection Checklist
A windsock is only useful if it is working. Faded fabric, a seized swivel or a corroded harness can all compromise the accuracy of your wind direction indicator without it being immediately obvious from the ground — and on a licensed aerodrome or COMAH-regulated site, a degraded windsock is a compliance issue, not just a maintenance one.
This checklist covers everything you need to inspect: fabric condition, fixings, frame and rotation, mast integrity and overall condition assessment. It is formatted to sit in a safety file, a COMAH maintenance log or an aerodrome inspection record.
What is in the checklist:
Fabric condition checks covering tears, fraying, UV damage and inflation behaviour. Fixings checks covering harness, swivel clip, eyelets and lacing. Frame and rotation checks covering free rotation, bearing condition, corrosion and arm alignment. Mast checks covering pole security, base fixings, wall bracket and structural condition. An overall assessment section with condition rating, recommended action and next inspection due date. Space for additional notes.
FAQ's
What size windsock does a UK aerodrome require?
ICAO Annex 14, referenced by CAA CAP 168, specifies a minimum length of 3.6m (12ft) with a mouth diameter of at least 0.9m (36 inches) for licensed aerodromes. This is why 12ft is the standard aerodrome specification. Smaller socks are used at private strips and unlicensed sites.
Does a windsock need to be illuminated at an aerodrome?
Yes, where the aerodrome operates at night. CAP 168 requires wind direction indicators to remain usable in darkness, either by internal or external illumination.
How often should an aerodrome windsock be replaced?
Plan for annual replacement as a minimum, six-monthly for exposed or coastal strips, and replace immediately when fading, fraying or inaccurate behaviour is observed. A spare sock on site allows same-day replacement.
Do unlicensed airstrips need to comply with CAP 168?
CAP 168 applies to licensed aerodromes. Unlicensed sites are not subject to it, but ICAO Annex 14 provides the recognised international benchmark and most unlicensed operators follow it as good practice.