When should controllers compensate for wind speed and direction?

Controllers should compensate for wind speed and direction when formulating estimates, particularly related to aircraft departures and arrivals. This involves adjusting estimated arrival times and positions based on the current and forecasted wind conditions. Wind can significantly impact the aircraft's ground speed, which in turn affects how quickly an aircraft will reach a certain point or how long it will take to land or take off.

For instance, if there is a strong headwind, an aircraft’s ground speed will be reduced, leading to longer estimates for arrival at a waypoint. Conversely, a tailwind will speed up the aircraft's ground speed, necessitating shorter estimate times for arrival. By accurately compensating for wind during the estimation process, controllers enhance safety and efficiency in air traffic management, ensuring that aircraft maintain proper spacing and manage their fuel efficiently.

Other contexts like taxiing, take-off, or troubleshooting may involve considerations of wind, but the critical aspect of calculating estimated times and distances revolves around understanding the effects of wind. This is why the focus is on formulating estimates given the variance wind can create in operational scenarios.