Qualicum Beach Airport

CAT4 / XQU

Qualicum Beach, CA

Last Updated
Jun 8, 22:00Z

No METAR Available for CAT4

Showing weather from nearby airport with METAR data.

Currently using: CYCD
Weather Source: Nanaimo Airport (CYCD)
Distance: 27nm / 49km from CAT4

Current Weather

Display Units
Aging 1 hour ago
22:00Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
13°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 10°C
3 kt
120°
12 SM
Visibility
4,600 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
1005 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR CYCD 082200Z 12003KT 070V200 12SM -RA SCT015 BKN046 OVC060 13/10 A2967 RMK CF3SC3SC2 SLP049

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 191 ft
SCT 1,500 ft AGL
BKN 4,600 ft AGL
OVC 6,000 ft AGL
SCT
Scattered (3/8-4/8 sky coverage)
1,500 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
1,691 ft AMSL
☁️
BKN
Broken (5/8-7/8 sky coverage)
4,600 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
4,791 ft AMSL
☁️
OVC
Overcast (8/8 sky coverage)
6,000 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
6,191 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

VFR

Qualicum Beach Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with overcast skies at 6,000 feet and 12 SM visibility. Note: This observation is 1.1 hours old and conditions may have changed.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the east-southeast (120°) at 3 knots.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 12 SM. The ceiling is 4600 feet AGL (broken), well above standard VFR minimums.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 13°C (55°F) with a dewpoint of 10°C. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread suggests high humidity and potential for visibility restrictions, especially during cooling periods.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 10 hours. The forecast shows a transition between VFR and IFR conditions. Pilots should monitor the forecast closely and have an alternate airport plan. Expected weather includes: Light Showers Rain, Light Rain, Light Rain, Mist, Light Rain, Mist, FCST. Temporary VFR conditions are forecast with Light Showers Rain between 18:00Z and 20:00Z. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Light Rain, Mist between 20:00Z and 02:00Z. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Light Rain, Mist, FCST between 02:00Z and 04:00Z.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours. The forecast indicates conditions may deteriorate. Ensure you have fuel reserves and a viable alternate airport.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

QNH
1005 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
999 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (191 ft)
Pressure Alt
439 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 245 ft
ISA Deviation: -1.6°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF CYCD 081740Z 0818/0904 VRB03KT P6SM BKN060 OVC120 TEMPO 0818/0820 P6SM -SHRA OVC040 FM082000 10008KT P6SM -RA OVC030 TEMPO 0820/0902 4SM -RA BR OVC012 FM090200 VRB03KT 6SM -RA BR OVC025 TEMPO 0902/0904 3SM -RA BR SCT006 OVC012 RMK NXT FCST BY 090000Z
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
23:04Z BASE
+0h
VFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 6,000 ft
02:00Z FM090200
+3h
MVFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: 6SM
Ceiling: 2,500 ft
Light Rain, Mist
02:00Z TEMPO
+3h
IFR
Visibility: 3SM
Ceiling: 1,200 ft
Light Rain, Mist, FCST

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
Chart Features
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
AT4
11 ✈️
29

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 11/29
Active: 11
3,565 ft 75 ft ASP 126°
3.0 kt 0.5 kt
10° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Qualicum Beach Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: CAT4
IATA Code: XQU
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 191 ft MSL

Location

City: Qualicum Beach
Country: CA
Latitude: 49.337456°
Longitude: -124.393086°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+8

Runway Information

Runway 11/29
Length: 3,565 ft
Width: 75 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Qualicum Beach Airport

Overview

Qualicum Beach Airport is a medium-sized airport located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Situated at an elevation of 191 feet above mean sea level, the airport serves the local Qualicum Beach area and surrounding communities. Its strategic location provides access for general aviation, recreational flying, and local transportation needs.

Flying Conditions

Vancouver Island's coastal environment typically produces variable weather conditions that pilots should carefully monitor. The airport's proximity to the Pacific Ocean can generate rapid changes in visibility, wind direction, and precipitation. Pilots should anticipate potential marine layer influences and check current meteorological reports before approaching the airport.

Notable Features

The airport features a single runway (11/29) with an asphalt surface measuring 3,565 feet in length. Its geographic positioning near coastal terrain means pilots should be prepared for potential wind shear and turbulence, particularly during seasonal weather transitions. The airport's moderate elevation and runway length accommodate a range of aircraft categories.

Approach Considerations

Runway 11/29's orientation suggests potential crosswind considerations, particularly during changing maritime weather patterns. Pilots should be prepared to assess wind conditions carefully during approach and landing. Standard visual flight rules (VFR) procedures are recommended, with particular attention to local terrain and coastal environmental factors.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.