Twr giving winds
 

Why do towers give the winds to aircraft when they can get wind spd/dir from their MFD?

Not all airplanes have a wind speed/direction displayed to pilots, and the winds where you are at 500ft may be different than the field winds. Controllers usually mention winds when they are rapidly changing or unique in some way.

I think controllers could save a lot of time by skipping that when they're talking to airliners. If it's a 172, fine, go ahead and say winds. But the "Delta 3 heavy" I just heard out of JFK (767-400) doesn't need it.

Do those screens show gusts or just sustained winds? If its gusty, conditions are usually constantly changing.

I appreciate the reports mostly for wake turbulence avoidance planning.

If I remember correctly, they are required to give the winds with the landing clearance. It is the result of an accident that occurred. Which one, I have no idea.

MFD displayed winds = Nice to Know

Tower Wind = Legal

Lots of different wind limits/restrictions for most airlines...

and to some degree there's always "How will it sound in court..."

Cheers
George

That makes more sense. Thanks guys.

When the wx is changing rapidly or shifting wind conditions, on some aircraft it is nice to know what the winds are at the landing place, already know what they are where I am at regardless of MFD (snapshot that is useless on landing approach) since I am flying the bird. It allows one to have a trend of the shift. Especially if a line of aircraft. Besides, some of us have AFM legality issues as mentioned. If that is the case when the winds moving about, then I am more ready for a TOGA.
Know alot of folks that seem irritated that pilots would want to know. <g>
Could ask why ask the wx, we are going anyway <bg>

I don't know about the legal part, but I appreciate having the wind reports. I fly the 320 which seems a little less stable (not at all unsafe) in cross winds. The winds at 2,000 AGL or lower may shift especially at specific airports or their may be a heavy in front of you. Nice to know before you get there. Also, if the winds on the airport are above company, than we have to GA. Keep in mind that an airliner is just bigger than a 172 but wind will still give you a push. Also sometimes you are pretty busy and it is easier to hear the wind than read it.

It also gives you an idea about any windshear and what to expect. If you MFD shows a 20 knot xwind and the tower reports a small headwind you know it will disappear at some point.