During wind equipment outage, which action should be taken to determine wind data for the runway in use?

During wind equipment outage, which action should be taken to determine wind data for the runway in use?

• A. Use wind data from a nearby METAR only
• B. Use the most reliable system available and include a WND DATA ESTMD remark
• C. Do not report wind data
• D. Use a forecast wind instead

Answer: (B)

When wind instrumentation is out, the priority is to obtain wind data from the most reliable source currently available and clearly indicate that it is an estimate. This approach preserves situational awareness for pilots and controllers by using the best possible data under the outage and preventing confusion about whether the wind data are measured or forecast. Relying solely on a nearby METAR can be misleading due to distance, runway alignment differences, or time lag, and using a forecast wind without indication might understate the estimate nature of the data. By using the best available system and including the WND DATA ESTMD remark, you communicate that the wind information is estimated and ensure appropriate use during takeoff and landing operations.

When wind instrumentation is out, the priority is to obtain wind data from the most reliable source currently available and clearly indicate that it is an estimate. This approach preserves situational awareness for pilots and controllers by using the best possible data under the outage and preventing confusion about whether the wind data are measured or forecast. Relying solely on a nearby METAR can be misleading due to distance, runway alignment differences, or time lag, and using a forecast wind without indication might understate the estimate nature of the data. By using the best available system and including the WND DATA ESTMD remark, you communicate that the wind information is estimated and ensure appropriate use during takeoff and landing operations.