Where should wind information be oriented when issued by ATC if requested or deemed appropriate by ATC?

• A. Oriented toward the middle of the runway
• B. Oriented to the storm center
• C. Oriented to the threshold or departure end of the runway
• D. Oriented toward the airfield beacon

Answer: (C)

Wind information is most useful to pilots when it is described in relation to the runway’s axis. By orienting the wind toward the threshold or departure end of the runway, ATC communicates how the wind aligns with the runway, so pilots can immediately gauge the headwind or tailwind component and any crosswind effect along the runway during takeoff or landing. This runway-focused orientation helps in deciding which runway to use and what performance to expect, without needing to reinterpret a general wind direction.

Orienting wind toward the middle of the runway, toward a storm center, or toward the airfield beacon wouldn’t provide the same clear, operational guidance about how the wind will affect the aircraft on the chosen runway.