Windsock for a private airstrip

[dialedin]

Hi everyone,
I recently finished off building a private airstrip on my farm. Got myself a good 2000' and managed to get it seeded with turf seed before a good rain last week! Wondering if there are any windsock restrictions; what colour i'm allowed to put up, IF i'm allowed etc.. I swear i read something during my groundschool about restriction but i've been through all my books, the CARS as much as i can, and nothing. My dad who is a CP, also is sure there are but couldnt provide any specifics either. Anyone have any insight?

[digits_]

It's a private airstrip, not a certified aerodrome/airport. The only reference in the CARs is that you need to have "a" windsock, unless you can use other means to determine the wind direction.

Wind Direction Indicator

301.06 (1) Except where the direction of the wind at an aerodrome can be determined by radio or other means such as smoke movement in the air or wind lines on water, the operator of the aerodrome shall install and maintain at the aerodrome a wind direction indicator that is

(a) of a conspicuous colour or colours;

(b) in the shape of a truncated cone;

(c) visible from an aircraft flying at an altitude of 300 m (1,000 feet) above the wind direction indicator; and

(d) illuminated when the aerodrome is used at night.

(2) When an aerodrome is closed permanently, the operator of the aerodrome shall immediately remove all of the wind direction indicators installed at the aerodrome.

[dialedin]

Super! So nothing about colour, size or any other restrictions as i understand it! Aircraft Spruce....here i come!

[PilotDAR]

Somewhere from the past, I recall that an all orange windsock was for an uncontrolled/unregistered aerodrome, where an orange and white striped windsock was for an "airport".

[Heliian]

Somewhere from the past, I recall that an all orange windsock was for an uncontrolled/unregistered aerodrome, where an orange and white striped windsock was for an "airport".

As far as I know, the orange and white sock is used as a rough wind speed indicator depending on where the cone is folded vs the striping. Those socks are designed to a certain size/shape. An all orange sock merely gives direction.

[goldeneagle]

Somewhere from the past, I recall that an all orange windsock was for an uncontrolled/unregistered aerodrome, where an orange and white striped windsock was for an "airport".

The orange and white was indicatative of a licensed aerodrome, and the sock has specific parameters for wind speed vs sock angle. The solid orange ones indicated unlicensed aerodrome, and also had specific wind speeds for various angles, but, much higher numbers than the striped one.

From wiki https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windsock
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Per FAA standards,[3] a properly-functioning windsock will orient itself to a breeze of at least 3 knots (5.6 km/h; 3.5 mph) and will be fully extended by a wind of 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).

Per Transport Canada standards:[4] a 15-knot (28 km/h; 17 mph) wind will fully extend the wind sock, a 10-knot (19 km/h; 12 mph) wind will cause the wind sock to be 5° below the horizontal, a 6-knot (11 km/h; 6.9 mph) wind will cause the wind sock to be 30° below the horizontal.
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[photofly]

The orange and white one is required for a certificated aerodrome - a.k.a. an airport. You can have an orange-and-white one at an un-certificated aerodrome too, if you want, but you don't have to.

TC AIM AGA 5.9 describes the speeds vs. angles. Looking for a regulation about orange vs. orange/white, and can't find one. CARS standard 325.31 (Heliports) says:

(e) the colour of the wind direction indicator shall be selected and specified in the HOM, so as to make it clearly visible and understandable from a height of at least 200 m (650 ft) above the heliport having regard to background; and
Information Note:
It is recommended that a single colour, preferably orange, be used. Where a combination of two colours is required to make the wind direction indicator conspicuous against changing backgrounds, they should preferably be orange and white or red and white and should be arranged in five alternate bands with the first and last band being the darker colour.

[praveen4143]

I've seen some random ones that come with a Canada flag on them. You should give it a try!

[Loon-A-Tic]

Do you really want one at all, it may bring unwanted visitors and attention

[dialedin]

I was all set for an orange and white one, as im used to having the wind speed indication it provides with the bands. Plus it would help whenever i'm trying to decide if its too windy or not to go out and spray the crops! But a canada flag one sounds cool! I will have to dig a bit deeper and see what else is around before i order one.

As far as unwanted visitors, i dont really care if anyone else decides to land. Heck, i've got mogas here i can sell them! And as far as attention, i still have the flag taped pickets in marking the end where i needed to go over with the harrow to smooth it out. More than a few neighbors have done the ol' 5mph driveby likely wondering what i'm doing out in the middle of my field.