Definition

Noun: A wind tee is a type of weather vane, shaped like the letter "T", used to indicate wind direction. It is specifically located at an airfield or airport to provide visual guidance to pilots.

Usage

A wind tee is a ground-based wind direction indicator. Its simple T-shape aligns with the wind: the crossbar (the top of the "T") points into the wind, while the stem points downwind. This allows pilots to quickly assess wind direction for takeoff and landing.

Examples

• The pilot checked the wind tee before lining up on the runway.
• The small airfield had a simple but effective wind tee near the hangar.
• The wind tee showed a shift from a north to a northwest wind.

Advanced Usage

• Wind tee is a standard term in aviation meteorology for a specific, non-rotating visual wind indicator.
• It is often contrasted with a windsock, which shows both wind direction and approximate wind speed.

Variants and Related Words

• Wind indicator: A general term for any device showing wind direction (e.g., wind tee, windsock, wind vane).
• Windsock: A conical textile tube that streams in the wind, indicating direction and relative speed.
• Wind vane: A broader term for any instrument that shows wind direction.

Synonyms

• Ground wind indicator (specific to aviation contexts).
• Airfield wind vane.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "Read the tee": A colloquial aviation phrase meaning to observe the wind tee to determine wind direction.
  • The student pilot was instructed to read the tee before every landing.

Noun

1. weather vane shaped like a T and located at an airfield