weathercocking
Turning with wind
Weathercocking describes the tendency of something to pivot or rotate into the wind, like a weathervane (or weathercock) does.
The term appears most often in aviation and sailing, where aircraft or vessels swing to align their nose or bow with the wind direction, particularly during takeoff, landing, or at anchor.
The crosswind caused significant weathercocking on the runway.
Rockets and projectiles can also weathercock when aerodynamic forces override their intended trajectory.
Rotational side deviation
- rudderPivoting stern blade
- crosswindLateral airflow across path
- landingDescent's final moment
- tailfinRear stabilizing appendage
vertical stabilizer · crabbing · sideslip · ground loop · taxiing · taildragger · headwind · flight control
Wind direction indicator
- windsockConical air-direction indicator
- anemometerInstrument measuring air velocity
- wind directionWhere air moves from
- indicatorSign revealing status
rooster · arrow · spinner · rooftop · cupola · steeple · barn · compass rose
Pivoting stern blade
- helmVessel's steering mechanism
- tillerBoat steering lever
- bowRespectful forward inclination
- sternStrict or ship's aft
windward · leeward · heading up · rounding up · centerboard · keel · close-hauled · tacking
Rotating around fixed point
- swingingMoving in arcs
- rotatingTurning on an axis
- oscillatingSwinging back and forth
- shiftingChanging position or form
turning · aligning · reorienting · drifting · veering · yawing · fishtailing · spinning
yaw
Rotational side deviation
tailfin · vertical stabilizer · crabbing · sideslip · ground loop · taxiing · taildragger · headwind · flight control · approach
vane
Wind direction indicator
- windsockConical air-direction indicator
- anemometerInstrument measuring air velocity
- wind directionWhere air moves from
indicator · rooster · arrow · spinner · rooftop · cupola · steeple · barn · compass rose · cardinal points
rudder
Pivoting stern blade
stern · windward · leeward · heading up · rounding up · centerboard · keel · close-hauled · tacking · jibing
pivoting
Rotating around fixed point
- swingingMoving in arcs
- rotatingTurning on an axis
- oscillatingSwinging back and forth
shifting · turning · aligning · reorienting · drifting · veering · yawing · fishtailing · spinning · swiveling
weathercockingsteadfastness
Firm loyal dedication
unwavering · resolute · stalwart · constant · backbone
weather, weathered, weathering, weathers, weatherman, cocking, weathercock, weathervane, weatherwoman