Airport Windsocks for Airfields & Aviation Facilities
FAA-compliant lighted and non-lighted airport windsock systems engineered for airfields, runways and aviation facilities.
Made in USA • Industry Leader for 50+ years
Why Airports Choose BDS Windsock Systems
BDS airport windsock systems are engineered for commercial airports, regional airfields, private aviation facilities, and military air operations requiring reliable wind direction visibility during day, night, and low-visibility conditions.
Stainless Steel Construction
BDS windsock frame assemblies are manufactured from powder-coated 304 / 316 stainless steel, delivering superior structural strength and corrosion resistance for long-term performance in demanding airport and airfield environments.
Maintenance-Free Bearings
Proprietary Delrin-type bearing assemblies provide smooth, low-friction rotation without lubrication. Unlike conventional ball bearings, these corrosion-resistant components eliminate the risk of rust-related failure.
High-Visibility LED Lighting
Internally illuminated LED airport windsock systems provide clear, uniform lighting for maximum visibility at extended distances while minimizing glare during pilot approach in night and low-visibility conditions.
FAA & ICAO Compliant
BDS windsock systems are engineered using FAA Circular 150/5345-27 and ICAO Annex 14 wind cone guidance references for operational visibility and wind direction indication across airport and aviation environments.
BDS Airport & Airfield Windsock Systems
BDS windsock systems are engineered in accordance with FAA guidance and ICAO standards for airport and aviation environments.
Each windsock system is configured using separately sold components—including windsock frame assemblies, windsocks, and windsock poles—to match specific airport and airfield installation requirements.
Windsock Frames
Lighted Windsock Frame Assemblies
Engineered for airport and airfield operations requiring reliable wind direction visibility during night and low-visibility conditions.
120-Volt Airport Windsock Frame Assemblies
Designed for standard U.S. electrical infrastructure. Our most common airport windsock frame assemblies include:
- 751 Series single-light internally lighted windsock frames →
- 752 Series double-light internally lighted windsock frames →
- 754 Series externally lighted windsock frames →
International 12-Volt Airport Windsock Frame Assemblies
Designed for international aerodromes and aviation facilities with varying voltage requirements.
Solar-Powered Windsock Frame Assemblies
Ideal for remote airfields and installations where electrical service is unavailable.
Non-Lighted Windsock Frames
Ideal for daytime applications where dedicated windsock lighting is not required or where existing facility lighting provides sufficient visibility.
Windsock Extension / Cage
12-inch extension keeps the windsock partially extended for improved visibility in low- or no-wind conditions.
Windsocks
Commercial-grade UV- and water-resistant nylon windsocks available in standard aviation colors and sizes.
Windsock Poles
Commercial-grade 304/316 powder-coated stainless steel poles available in hinged or fixed configurations for ground, roof, or wall-mounted installations.
Airport Windsock Applications
• Commercial, regional, municipal, and general aviation airports
• Private corporate airfields & flight training facilities
• Cargo and freight hubs
• Glider ports, skydiving centers, parachute drop zones
• Military airfields and defense aviation installations
• Seaplane bases and water aerodromes
• Ultralight and experimental aviation fields
For windsock systems designed for helicopter landing areas, see Helipad & Helicopter Windsock Systems.
FAA & ICAO Windsock Guidance References
BDS airport windsock systems are engineered using FAA wind cone guidance and ICAO recommendations for reliable wind direction indication at commercial airports, regional airfields, military aviation facilities, and general aviation environments worldwide.
- FAA Advisory Circular 150/5345-27 outlines performance guidance for airport wind cone assemblies, including visibility, illumination, sizing, and color configuration considerations for lighted and non-lighted systems.
- FAA airport visual aids and airport design guidance also address wind cone placement, visibility, and operational considerations for airport and airfield environments.
- ICAO Annex 14 establishes corresponding international standards for aerodrome wind direction indicators, supporting consistent guidance across global aviation facilities.
- FAA-certified wind cone assemblies may be required for certain federally funded airport projects.
Additional Resources:
Reference Standards:
Frequently Asked Questions
Airport windsock systems are typically specified in accordance with FAA Advisory Circular 150/5345-27, which outlines recommended performance criteria for wind cone assemblies used at airports and heliports. These guidelines address visibility, illumination, color configuration, and the ability to rotate freely to accurately indicate wind direction.
BDS windsock systems are engineered using FAA wind cone guidance and can be configured for a wide range of airport and aviation installations.
Learn more in our FAA Windsock Guide.
A windsock at an airport provides pilots with immediate visual indication of wind direction and approximate wind speed during approach, departure, and ground operations. At airports with night operations, illuminated wind indicators are typically required to maintain visibility under low-light conditions. BDS aviation windsocks are engineered for continuous-duty use in demanding airport environments, supporting safe and efficient flight operations.
BDS Systems offers multiple aviation windsock configurations for airports and airfield applications including:
– 751 Series – single-light internally illuminated 120V frame assemblies
– 752 Series – double-light internally 120V illuminated frame assemblies
– 754 Series – quad-light externally illuminated 120V frame assemblies
– 740 Series – international 12V DC frame assemblies
– 740SP Series – solar-powered frame assemblies
Each configuration is engineered to meet specific visibility requirements, infrastructure conditions, and operational needs, with designs aligned to FAA and ICAO guidance.
Windsock lighting configuration should be selected based on airfield operating conditions, required visibility, and available electrical infrastructure:
- Internally illuminated frame assemblies (751 Series & 752 Series): Provide uniform, low-glare illumination from within the windsock cone, supporting consistent visibility across most airport and general aviation applications
- Externally illuminated frame assemblies (754 Series): Use external lighting to illuminate the windsock from outside the frame, often specified where a different lighting approach or fixture configuration is preferred
- 12V DC frame assemblies (740 Series): Designed for international installations requiring compatibility with 90–264V input power systems
- Solar-powered frame assemblies (740SP Series): Self-contained units for remote or off-grid locations where trenching or electrical service is not practical
Proper windsock system configuration—including frame assembly, windsock, and mounting structure—ensures reliable wind direction visibility during night operations and low-visibility conditions.
Contact us to determine the best lighting solution for your airport or airfield.
BDS windsock system components are engineered for long-term performance in continuous wind exposure and harsh outdoor environments, with service life varying by component and site conditions.
Frame assemblies and poles are constructed from 304/316 stainless steel with high-performance powder coating and feature maintenance-free delrin-type bearings, delivering years of reliable, corrosion-resistant operation.
Windsock fabric is manufactured from commercial-grade nylon with UV inhibitors and water-repellent coating, engineered to withstand continuous wind exposure while maintaining flexibility and responsiveness to changing wind conditions.
Unlike heavier materials, the lightweight fabric allows for more accurate wind indication and helps reduce the risk of tearing under sustained use. Fabric replacement is typically required every 1–3 years, depending on UV exposure and wind conditions, with gradual fading being the most common reason for replacement.
Yes. BDS windsock systems are used across commercial airports, municipal airports, regional airfields, government and military installations, and private aviation facilities. Our commercial-grade systems are available in multiple sizes, lighting configurations, and mounting options to meet a wide range of operational and installation requirements.
Contact us to determine the best windsock system configuration for your airport or airfield.
Aviation facilities choose BDS because windsock systems must perform reliably in continuous outdoor exposure and demanding operating environments. BDS aviation windsock systems are constructed from powder-coated 304/316 stainless steel with maintenance-free Delrin-type bearings, providing long-term durability and corrosion resistance compared to aluminum-frame alternatives.
With over 50 years of aviation application experience, BDS systems are specified by commercial airports, regional airfields, and government aviation facilities worldwide to support consistent wind direction indication with reduced maintenance and replacement requirements.
Aviation Organizations That Trust BDS Systems
Trusted Supplier of Airport & Airfield Windsock Systems
For over 50 years, BDS Systems has supplied lighted airport windsocks and wind direction indicators for airports, airfields, and defense aviation facilities worldwide. Aviation organizations trust BDS for durable stainless steel construction, reliable long-term performance, and responsive customer support.