FAA Specifications for Rotating Airport Beacons

Airport rotating beacons indicate the location of an airport by projecting beams of light spaced 180 degrees apart. Rotating beacons are required for any airport with runway edge lights. They create a “flash” similar to lighthouses, however, with Airports...

United States Airport Wind Cone Specifications

The Wind Cone specifications for airports based in the United States are set by the FAA in Aviation Circular 150/5345-27E – Specification for Wind Cone Assemblies. There are a variety of requirements and you should review the PDF linked here for complete...
How to Install a Wind Sock

How to Install a Wind Sock

Looking at aviation products and terminology from around the world, you may be wondering: what is the difference between a wind cone and a wind sock? You could argue there are slight differences, one of which is that wind cones usually have firmer baskets rather than...
Traffic Patterns and the Segmented Circle

Traffic Patterns and the Segmented Circle

Some airfields consist of unusual markings in the form of circles made up of square segments with L-shaped lines coasting along their edges, reminiscent of crop circles viewed from above. While these patterns may seem strange, they serve a practical purpose. These odd...
The Basics of Airport Beacon Lights

The Basics of Airport Beacon Lights

In the past, pilots heavily relied on maps and visible landmarks for navigation during flight operations, a method limited to daytime travels. Nighttime flights were particularly risky until the introduction of bonfires at airports, aiding pilots in locating runways...
The History of the Wind Sock

The History of the Wind Sock

Wind socks, most commonly spelled as one word, and sometimes referred to as wind vanes, are flexible cones covered in fabric, used to show the speed and direction of wind. Wind socks are mostly used in airports or airfields, but can also be found on the sides of...
Unique Helipads

Unique Helipads

The convenient and luxurious appeal of flying via helicopter has lead to an array of heliports and helipads around the world. From super yachts to mega mansions, rugged mountains where the air is thin, and waterless basins filled with smooth river rocks, these places...
Airport Taxiway Light Colors

Airport Taxiway Light Colors

Airports consists of a variety of lights, all flashing and illuminating in different colors. When it comes to the question of what color airport taxiway lights are, the viewer needs to take one important aspect into account: taxiways aren’t the same as runways. A...
Examples of Airport lighting

Examples of Airport lighting

Have you ever driven at night in area with few to no lights? Imagine an airplane pilot having to do the same while on a busy runway. This very thought seems absurd and goes to show how airport lighting is integral for safe airport operations, especially in the dark....
Learn About the Airport Lighted X

Learn About the Airport Lighted X

Even the most perceptive frequent flyer may not understand what they’re looking at when looking out a plane window and at a bustling runway where the curious ongoings on baggage handlers and maintenance technicians take place. These flyers may witness an onslaught of...
Amazing Airplane Facts

Amazing Airplane Facts

Airplanes are amazing inventions. Prior to airplanes, travelers had to rely on horses, buggies, trains, and ships, which took days, weeks, or even months for commuters to arrive at their destinations, whereas the longest nonstop flight is a little over 18 hours. This...
Flying in Inclement Weather

Flying in Inclement Weather

Inclement, or physically severe stormy weather, can be a challenge for pilots, and frightening experience for anxious passengers. However, pilots are trained to take safety precautions in case of bad weather, and planes are designed to endure fierce winds, rain, ice,...