Our Windsock Collection

A windsock does one thing, and it has to do it right every time. Whether you are running a licensed aerodrome, managing a COMAH-regulated chemical site, overseeing a busy port, or simply need accurate wind direction for a site that demands it, the sock flying above your mast is the first thing people look at when conditions change.

Piggotts has been making things that work outdoors, in British weather, under real-world loads, since 1780. Our windsocks are manufactured in the UK, held in stock in standard sizes, and backed by a team who will give you a straight answer on specification rather than just take your order. Whether you need a standard aerodrome sock dispatched tomorrow or a fully specified installation for a hazardous site, you are in the right place.

Industries

  • Aviation

    From private airstrips to licensed aerodromes, accurate wind direction is a flight safety requirement, not a preference. Our windsocks meet the ICAO Annex 14 specification referenced by CAA CAP 168, available in the 12ft aerodrome-standard size with illuminated options for night operations. UK-made, in stock, with compliance documentation available on request.

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  • Heliports & Helipads

    Every helicopter landing area needs a windsock that pilots can read on approach, in any light. We supply onshore helipad windsocks to CAP 168 and ICAO Annex 14 Volume II standards, with illuminated options for night operations and specialist advice on offshore helideck specifications to CAP 437.

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  • Oil & Gas

    Onshore facilities and offshore platforms have different requirements, but both need wind direction indicators that work when they are needed most. We supply COMAH site windsocks for onshore oil and gas operations and advise on offshore helideck specifications to CAP 437, with ATEX-rated illuminated options for classified electrical zones.

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  • Energy from Waste

    Most EfW plants operate under COMAH Regulations or Environment Agency permit conditions that require a permanently installed, continuously visible wind direction indicator as part of the site emergency plan. We supply robust industrial windsocks built for large-footprint sites that run around the clock.

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  • Chemical Processing

    At least one windsock is required as part of emergency planning at any COMAH-regulated chemical site, and many Environment Agency pollution prevention licences include the requirement as a standard condition. We manufacture to the specification your safety report and HSE inspector expect to see.

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  • Ports & Marine Construction

    Salt, high winds and 24-hour operations make ports and marine construction sites among the toughest environments for windsock fabric. We supply heavy-duty coastal-specification windsocks with stainless steel fittings, sized to be read from crane cabs, wheelhouses and site welfare points across large operational areas.

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  • Waste & Recycling

    Wind direction indicators are a standard condition on most Environment Agency environmental permits for waste facilities, and a practical necessity on any site with a fire or hazardous release risk. We supply robust windsocks suited to the dust, contamination and variable conditions typical of waste and recycling operations.

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  • Water Treatment

    Chlorine and other treatment chemicals create directional hazards in an unplanned release. COMAH-regulated water treatment works are required to address wind direction monitoring in their emergency response plans, and many sites carry an Environment Agency permit condition requiring a permanently displayed indicator.

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  • MOD & Defence

    UK military aerodromes are regulated by the Military Aviation Authority to standards broadly aligned with ICAO Annex 14, and wind direction indicators are part of every Defence Aerodrome Manual. We are a UK manufacturer with experience of regulated and public sector supply, and we hold stock in standard aerodrome sizes with full procurement documentation available.

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Windsock Requirements

  • Visibility

    Windsocks are typically made from UV-resistant and weather-resistant fabric to ensure durability in outdoor conditions. They are designed in bright, contrasting colours, such as orange or red with white stripes, to maximise visibility from a distance.

  • Wind Response

    A windsock must be lightweight and move freely to show wind direction and speed. It should start to extend at 3 knots (5.6 km/h) and be fully extended at 15 knots (28 km/h), giving a clear visual cue of wind conditions.

  • Windsock Size

    For aviation, windsocks are typically 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 metres) long, with an opening diameter of about 18 inches (45 cm) or more. Smaller sizes may be used for non-aviation purposes where less visibility is required.

  • Windsock Mounting

    A windsock should be mounted on a pivoting frame or swivel mechanism to rotate freely with the wind. It must be placed on a pole tall enough, typically 10 to 15 feet or more, to keep it clear of obstructions and ensure accurate wind readings.

  • Illuminating Your Windsock

    If used at night, such as at airports, a windsock must be properly illuminated, usually from above, to ensure it remains visible and functional in low-light conditions.

  • Compliance

    For aviation purposes, windsocks must comply with standards set by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) or the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) to ensure accuracy, visibility, and safety.

Windsock FAQs

What is a windsock used for?

A windsock is a fabric tube designed to indicate wind direction and provide a visual estimate of wind speed. They are commonly used in aviation, petrochemical plants, helipads, highways, and even at events or golf courses to enhance safety and awareness.

Where are windsocks typically installed?

Piggotts supplies windsocks for a wide range of settings, including:
Airports and airfields

Helipads and heliports
Oil rigs and chemical plants
Seaports and offshore platforms
Factories and manufacturing sites
Agricultural fields
Mountain roads and highways
Events and promotional displays

What sizes are available?

Standard sizes range from 3ft to 14ft in length, with varying mouth and tail diameters.

For example, the Safeguard model comes in sizes like 3ft (15″ mouth, 8″ tail) up to 14ft (42″ mouth, 21″ tail).

What materials are Piggotts windsocks made from?

Piggotts offers windsocks made from:

  • Lightweight and suitable for aviation use.
  • Durable and water-resistant, ideal for heavy-duty applications.
  • Lightweight and responsive to light breezes

For our standard windsocks we use 3 different fabrics: 

Piggotts200 – is a 200gsm polyurethane coated polyester fabric, that is waterproof, fluorocarbon coated, flame retardant and printable. This fabric is supplied all over the world and is a popular choice where the windsocks aren’t necessarily subjected to regular extreme weather conditions. 

Fabric Certification - Tensile strength tested according to EN ISO 1421: warp 1423 N, weft 1328 N, Tear resistance tested according to ISO 4674-1 Method A: Warp 88 N, Weft 87 N, EN471 (Flo Colours Only) 

Piggotts500 – is a 265gsm coated polyester fabric, that is waterproof, fluorocarbon proofed, flag retardant and printable. Is also has High Abrasion resistance, High Strength and durability and High elasticity making it more desirable in extreme locations and climates. This fabric also has some anti-static properties. 

Fabric Certification - Tensile Strength: EN ISO 1421, Tear Strength: ISO 4674-A1, Flame Retardant: EN 1021-1 2006, 5852:1990 Section 4, 7837 ISO 694, Hydrostatic Head: EN 20811/ISO 811  CLASS 2 

PiggottsASGrid – is a 236gsm polyurethane coated polyester anti-static fabric, that is waterproof, fluorocarbon coated, flame retardant, chemical resistant and printable. Anti-Static materials are extremely popular and necessary in EX Zone 1 areas, these zones are hazardous areas where explosive atmospheres of flammable gases, mist and vapours are likely to occur occasionally. 

Fabric Certification - EN533 Index 1, GO/RT 3279:1999, EN471 (Flo Colours Only) 

Do Piggotts provide windsock poles and mounting hardware?

Yes, we offer a variety of windsock poles and mounting solutions suitable for different applications. For specific requirements, it's recommended to contact our sales team.

How should I maintain my windsock?

Regular inspection for wear and tear is advised. Cleaning should be done according to the material specifications, and any damaged components should be replaced promptly to ensure accurate wind indication.