An air data system and method for a rotary aircraft is described. The air data system includes a plurality of flush ports connected via tubing to a plurality of air flow sensors that can measure air flow speeds as low as approximately 0.02 knots. The flush ports are arranged around a main rotor shaft and below a rotor hub of the rotary aircraft to help reduce the impact of rotor downwash. The flush ports and tubing permit air to flow into the air flow sensors, which allows the plurality of air flow sensors to measure speed and direction of cross-wind components of air flow surrounding the rotary aircraft.