Attachment 5
WIND COVERAGE STUDIES
A5.1. Applicability:
A5.1.1. Army. One factor in the determination of the runway orientation is wind coverage, as
discussed in Chapter 3. Runway orientation based on wind coverage for Army airfields will be
determined in accordance with the methodology presented in FAA AC 150/5300-13, Airport Design,
Appendix 1, Wind Analysis. The runway orientation should obtain 95 percent wind coverage with a
19.5 kilometer-per-hour (10.5 knot) crosswind. If this coverage cannot be attained, a crosswind
runway would be desirable.
A5.1.2. Air Force. One factor in the determination of the runway orientation is wind coverage, as
discussed in Chapter 3. Runway orientation based on wind coverage for Air Force airfields will be
determined in accordance with the methodology presented in FAA AC 150/5300-13, Airport Design,
Appendix 1, Wind Analysis. Criteria for crosswind runway authorization will be in accordance with
criteria presented in AFH 32-1084, Facility Requirements Handbook. HQ USAF/XOO must approve
authorization for crosswind runways.
A5.1.3. Navy and Marine Corps. Runway orientation for Navy and Marine Corps airfields will be
determined in accordance with this attachment. Criteria for the crosswind runway is found in
Paragraph A5.6. of this attachment.
A5.2. Objective. This attachment provides guidance on the assembly and analysis of wind data to prepare
a wind coverage study to determine runway orientation. It also provides guidance on analyzing the
operational impact of winds on existing runways.
A5.3. General. A factor influencing runway orientation is wind. Ideally a runway should be aligned with
the prevailing wind. Wind conditions affect all airplanes in varying degrees. Generally, the smaller the
airplane, the more it is affected by wind, particularly crosswind components.
A5.3.1. Basic Conditions. The most desirable runway orientation based on wind is the one which has
the largest wind coverage and minimum crosswind components. Wind coverage is that percent of time
crosswind components are below an acceptable velocity. The desirable wind coverage for an airport is
95 percent, based on the total number of weather observations.
A5.3.2. Meteorological Conditions. The latest and best wind information should be used to carry out
a wind coverage study. A record which covers the last five consecutive years of wind observations is
preferred. Ascertain frequency of occurrence, singly and in combination, for: wind (direction and
velocity), temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, clouds (type and amount), visibility (ceiling),
precipitation (type and amount), thunderstorms, and any other unusual weather conditions peculiar to
the area.
A5.3.2.1. Usable Data. Use only data which give representative average values. For example, do
not consider extremes of wind velocity during infrequent thunderstorms of short duration.
A5.3.2.2. Source of Data. Obtain meteorological data from one or more of the following sources:
A5.3.2.2.1. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Environmental Data Service
A5.3.2.2.2. National Weather Service
A5.3.2.2.3. Bureau of Reclamation
A5-1
Previous Page
