Newcastle Airport

FANC / NCS

Newcastle, ZA

Last Updated
Apr 23, 04:44Z

No METAR Available for FANC

Showing weather from nearby airport with METAR data.

Currently using: FAEO
Weather Source: Ermelo Airport (FAEO)
Distance: 77nm / 142km from FANC

Current Weather

Display Units
Stale 3 hours ago
04:44Z

☀️ Day
IFR
Flight Rules
8°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 7°C
17 kt
110°
2 km
Visibility
800 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

SPECI FAEO 230444Z 11017KT 2000 BCFG BKN008 OVC070 08/07 Q1030

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 4,074 ft
BKN 800 ft AGL
OVC 7,000 ft AGL
☁️
BKN
Broken (5/8-7/8 sky coverage)
800 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
4,874 ft AMSL
☁️
OVC
Overcast (8/8 sky coverage)
7,000 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
11,074 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

IFR

Newcastle Airport is currently reporting instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions with overcast skies at 7,000 feet and 2 km visibility. Note: This observation is 2.7 hours old and conditions may have changed.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the east-southeast (110°) at 17 knots. Runway 11/29 is favored with a 17-knot headwind and 0-knot crosswind component. Student pilots and low-time aviators should exercise caution.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is reduced to 2 km. IFR conditions prevail and an instrument clearance is required for operations in controlled airspace. The ceiling is 800 feet AGL (broken). Only precision approaches may be usable depending on minimums.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 8°C (46°F) with a dewpoint of 7°C. The temperature-dewpoint spread is very narrow, indicating saturated or near-saturated air. Fog formation or low cloud development is likely.

Pilot Recommendations

An instrument rating and IFR flight plan are required. Verify that destination and alternate approach minimums are above current and forecast conditions. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours.

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

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
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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
ANC
11 ✈️
29

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 11/29
Active: 11
4,921 ft 75 ft ASP 90°
17.0 kt 0.0 kt
0° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Newcastle Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: FANC
IATA Code: NCS
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 4,074 ft MSL

Location

City: Newcastle
Country: ZA
Latitude: -27.770599°
Longitude: 29.976900°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-2

Runway Information

Runway 11/29
Length: 4,921 ft
Width: 75 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Newcastle Airport

Overview

Newcastle Airport serves the Newcastle region in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, functioning as a medium-sized airport at a significant elevation of 4,074 feet above mean sea level. Located at coordinates -27.770599, 29.976900, the airport provides essential aviation infrastructure for the local area and regional transportation needs.

Flying Conditions

The airport's high elevation at 4,074 feet MSL means pilots should anticipate potential performance considerations related to density altitude, particularly during warmer periods. The single runway (11/29) measuring 4,921 feet with an asphalted surface provides landing and takeoff capabilities for various aircraft classes, with operational considerations influenced by the substantial elevation.

Notable Features

Positioned in the interior of KwaZulu-Natal, Newcastle Airport is surrounded by varied terrain typical of the region's topography. The single runway orientation (11/29) suggests potential wind variability that pilots must carefully assess during pre-flight planning and approach procedures.

Approach Considerations

Runway 11/29's 4,921-foot length requires careful performance calculations, especially considering the airport's elevated position. Pilots should conduct thorough weight and performance assessments, accounting for the airport's significant mean sea level elevation when planning arrivals and departures.

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.