What is the representation of wind speed in aviation?

In aviation, wind speed is represented in knots. Knots are a unit of measurement specifically used in maritime and aviation contexts. One knot is equal to one nautical mile per hour, which is approximately 1.15 miles per hour or 1.85 kilometers per hour. This measurement is particularly useful for pilots and navigators because it provides a consistent way to express speed over the Earth's surface, which aligns well with navigational charts that are often laid out in nautical miles.

Using knots for wind speed allows for accurate calculations related to flight performance, such as drift and time estimates. Other methods of measuring speed, such as kilometers per hour or clock hours, are not standard in aviation and can lead to confusion or errors in navigation. The representation as a three-digit number typically relates to wind direction rather than speed; thus, it's important to distinguish between the two when interpreting meteorological data.