User Manual

GPS 500 Pilot’s Guide and Reference
12-37
SECTION 12
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Winds
Wind Vector - The wind vector indicates the
direction of the surface wind to the nearest 30˚
increment (e.g. 30˚, 60˚, 90˚, 120˚, etc.).
Wind Speed - In general, the sum of the wind barbs
(see Table 12-16) is the sustained surface wind
speed.
Wind Speed
(Blank) Unknown
Short Barb 5 kts
Long Barb 10 kts
≥ 37 kts
Table 12-16 Wind Speed Graphics
Gust Offset
(Blank) Gusts are unknown or < 5 kts above
sustained wind speed.
G10
(Green)
Wind is gusting 5 - 10 kts more than
sustained speed.
G11+
(Yellow)
Wind is gusting 11 kts or more above its
sustained speed.
Table 12-17 Gust Offset Graphics
To interpret wind speed, add the values of each of the
wind speed barbs. In Figure 12-48, there are two long
barbs (10 knots each) and one short barb (5 knots each).
Thus, the total wind speed is 25 knots. Adding the gust
offset to this gure gives winds gusting to 36 knots. Thus,
the symbol in Figure 12-48 indicates the surface wind at
KFRM is coming from a direction of 300° at a speed of
25 knots, gusting to 36 knots or greater. The data age is
11-20 minutes old.
Gust Offset
Wind Speed
Wind Vector
Data Age
Figure 12-48 Wind Symbol
190-00181-60 Rev. G