Which of the following is NOT a required element for a reported wind shift?

For a reported wind shift to be valid, certain criteria must be met. One of these criteria is a change in wind direction of 45 degrees or more, which indicates a significant shift in wind patterns. Additionally, the change must occur within a relatively quick timeframe—specifically, within 15 minutes—to be considered meaningful and relevant for operational purposes. Lastly, when it comes to speed, a change that exceeds 10 knots is required to ensure that the shift is not just a minor fluctuation but rather a notable change that could impact weather conditions and flight operations.

In this context, the option that specifies a direction consistent for more than 5 minutes does not serve as a requirement for reporting a wind shift. While maintaining consistent wind direction over a period can provide valuable context, it is not a mandatory element for formally recognizing that a wind shift has occurred. Therefore, this choice highlights an unnecessary condition within the parameters of what constitutes a wind shift, making it the correct answer for identifying what is NOT required when reporting such a shift.