Private Pilot Flight Training and Instruction Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM Windsock The word sock is from the colloquial French meaning close in or conceal. When an airport was `socked in' the windsock was taken down and its removal meant that the airport was closed. The first lighted windsock was offered by the Heath Company in its 1928 catalogue. Wind socks come in various sized determined by the amount of wind required to fully extend it. Written by Gene Whitt Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM