relative wind


relative wind

[′rel·əd·iv ′wind] (navigation) The speed and relative direction from which the wind appears to blow with reference to a moving point. Also known as apparent wind.

relative wind

i. The velocity and direction of the wind with reference to the body over which it is flowing. Also the relative airflow against an airfoil. In aircraft, it is normally the same as the TAS (true air speed) but seldom aligned with the longitudinal axis. See also free-stream flow.
ii. The wind in relation to an aircraft in flight or to a runway.