Re: When was the windsock invented? Who invented it?

Amanda,

I was unable to find any documentation on exactly when windsocks were invented or by whom. However, long before folks began to use windsocks as decorations for their patios and decks, they were pressed into service at airports and landing strips across the world. In order to take off and land safely, airplanes must know the direction (and have some idea of the speed) of the wind. Safety and efficiency require that a plane take off and land "into" the wind, that is, with the wind blowing into the front of the plane. This provides the most lift on the wings when taking off, and allows for greater control when landing. From the very beginning of aviation, the pilot had to have something to tell him or her which way the wind was blowing. A flag might snap with the breeze, wrap itself around a pole, or simply be hard for the pilot to see from the cockpit of the plane. A three dimensional tube of lightweight material presents a much better target for the pilot to gauge the wind by. Add a colorful fabric and it becomes even easier to see.

As for the name, all of the windsocks I've seen look something like an actual sock, a design I'm sure evolved because it seemed to be the best design to get the job done. It's fun to imagine an early pilot suggesting one of his or her ground crew helpers take off a sock and mount it on a stick for him to see!