RAF Cosford

RAF Cosford is a military facility. Civilian access may be restricted or require Prior Permission (PPR). Pilots should consult the GB AIP for current access procedures and restrictions.

Overview

RAF Cosford is a medium airport located in Shropshire, United Kingdom, situated at an elevation of 272 feet above mean sea level. The airport serves primarily as a Royal Air Force base and is strategically positioned in the West Midlands region. Its single runway (06/24) extends 3,890 feet and is constructed of asphalt.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at RAF Cosford are predominantly favorable for visual flight rules (VFR), with 97.5% of observations supporting clear flying conditions. The prevailing wind is from the south at 180° with an average speed of 7.4 knots, and temperatures typically range between 1°C and 21°C with an average of 11.6°C. Winter months like December, November, and January offer the best VFR flying opportunities.

Notable Features

The airport's geographic location in Shropshire provides relatively stable atmospheric conditions with excellent average visibility of 10 statute miles. Minimal fog occurrence (9.4% of observations) and low instances of instrument meteorological conditions (IFR/LIFR less than 2%) make it a consistently accessible airfield. The runway experiences favorable wind alignment 100% of the time, with an average crosswind component of only 4.9 knots.

Approach Considerations

Runway 06/24 offers consistent wind alignment, making it suitable for most wind conditions. Pilots can expect minimal wind-related approach challenges, with maximum recorded wind speeds of 30 knots and calm conditions occurring in only 1.4% of observations. The relatively low elevation and stable regional terrain contribute to predictable approach and landing characteristics.