In aviation communication, how is wind direction typically expressed?

Wind direction in aviation communication is typically expressed in terms of magnetic direction. This means that when pilots receive wind reports or forecasts, the direction of the wind is stated based on magnetic north rather than true north or other references. Using magnetic direction is essential since pilots navigate using magnetic compasses, and it aligns more closely with the navigation systems they use in flight planning and operations.

This method offers consistency and accuracy in communication, especially since magnetic declination, the angle difference between true north and magnetic north, can vary depending on geographic location. Expressing wind direction in reference to magnetic north ensures that pilots can effectively utilize the information in their navigation calculations and understand the wind's impact on their flight path.

Other options, such as geographic or true north, are not standard in aviation practice, as they can lead to confusion or miscalculations in navigation. Relative direction would imply wind relative to the aircraft's heading, which is not how wind is typically reported in aviation contexts.