Originally Posted by SilkySmooth (Post 691719)

I guess my question really is, "If the conditions are not likely to be rapidly changing, is it really necessary to clog up the frequency by asking for a wind check?'

Originally Posted by KC10 FATboy (Post 691723)

#1. You're assuming that DAL is the only flight crews that ever ask for wind checks.

Originally Posted by KC10 FATboy (Post 691723)

#2. You're comment about the necessity of asking for a windcheck is baseless and unprofessional. There are plenty of legitimate reasons why someone may ask for a windcheck. The last thing they need is for others to think that they're doing it for no good reason.

Originally Posted by KC10 FATboy (Post 691723)

#3. You're missing the point. When things don't look right, it's best to be prepared and to start thinking about what you're going to do if winds suddenly change.

In my scenario, if my equipment is saying tailwinds and tower is calling headwinds, I know there's a shear. How bad? I don't know, it depends on how rapidly or slowly the direction changes. But knowledge is power and it helps me know if there's a potential problem that I'm about to fly into.

Originally Posted by KC FATboy (Post 691723)

#4. I have no idea why anyone other than myself has asked for a windcheck. I've only done it a couple of times. But I assume the others had good reasons, just as I did.

Originally Posted by SilkySmooth (Post 691727)

Ah......, yeah, in Atlanta, 9 times out of 10 it's Delta!



Well, when the wind has been the same for the past 6 hours, one begins to wonder.



In your scenario, if you suspect windshere I would agree.



Which is why I'm asking. In Atlanta, it's quite obvious that it's usually Delta who's asking. Which is why I wondered if it was procedural, aircraft specific, or just something that kind of catches on with the pilot group.

Originally Posted by SilkySmooth (Post 691727)

In your scenario, if you suspect windshere I would agree.

Originally Posted by SilkySmooth (Post 691727)

Ah......, yeah, in Atlanta, 9 times out of 10 it's Delta!


Which is why I'm asking. In Atlanta, it's quite obvious that it's usually Delta who's asking. Which is why I wondered if it was procedural, aircraft specific, or just something that kind of catches on with the pilot group.

Originally Posted by Ralphie (Post 691674)

Didn't know we did that any more than anyone else. Doubt there's any reason but the higher percentage of anal, controlling military types who think it matters beyond the gust adjustment or crosswind limits.

Nice feeders by the way.

Originally Posted by EagleDriver (Post 691721)

I remember a few years ago it was somebody asking why AA pilots (not Delta) always ask for a wind check. He received the same responses. Someone automatically responded about ex-military guys being too anal. Someone else tried to explain exactly why they did it. Many reasons, some valid, some maybe not. If the original post was intended to learn technique I applaud your desire to better yourself. There are many valid reasons to ask for winds on short final.

If you don't want a wind check, don't ask for one but there's no need to ridicule someone else for asking about information over the runway of intended landing. I don't know too many areas in aviation where having too much information will hurt you. Maybe the guys who refuse to ask for wind updates think it's not macho and their coolness factor diminishes. Most of the exceptional pilots I know save the coolness test for the bar and want as much information as possible when flying. The weak pilots are the ones who think they need no help to handle it all with one eye closed, one engine out and a worthless copilot. Like Clint said, "A man's got ta know his limitations."

Originally Posted by IrishTiger (Post 691725)

Is it really that big of a deal? I like the fact that the DAL pilots (and I've never noticed them doing it any more than others) ask for this.

I agree with KCFAT. I also ask for wind checks when I'm suspicious of something going on. The wind can change rapidly, and I like to know what to expect, especially if it's a contaminated runway - particularly during the winter months.