6.4 Wind data used in flight plans
Use forecast wind in a flight plan
AvPlan applies available forecast wind and temperature data to flight-plan calculations. Check that the plan time and cruise altitudes are correct before relying on the calculated headings, times and fuel figures.
In Australia, AvPlan EFB uses the information shown in GPWT charts below 14,000 ft AMSL and the upper-level global wind model above 14,000 ft.
Wind for each planned leg is sampled above the arrival waypoint at the cruise or passing altitude and expected time of arrival. When the cruise altitude falls between database levels, AvPlan interpolates wind speed and direction between the levels above and below.
Check winds showing 180°/0 kt
WARNING
Do not treat repeated 180°/0 kt values as confirmation of calm wind. They may mean forecast wind data is not available for the plan time.
- Check that the plan ETD is correct and falls within the next three days.
- In the stage summary, confirm that Winds is set to Yes.
- Open Optimise Altitudes and select Refresh.
- If AvPlan reports that winds are unavailable for the ETD, select Set ETD to Now + 1h to update the departure time and request new altitude options.
- Review the Wind column again. If the values remain 180°/0 kt, treat the wind-adjusted time and fuel comparisons as unavailable and verify the forecast using an appropriate weather source.
AvPlan Web allows an ETD more than three days ahead, but forecast winds may not be available for that plan time.
New Zealand wind data
Below 10,000 ft AMSL, wind data comes from New Zealand area forecasts. Above 10,000 ft AMSL, it comes from the global aviation wind forecast model.
Other regions
Wind data for other regions comes from the global aviation wind forecast model and is applied to the flight plan. The WIFS website requires an account.