Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport

FAPE / PLZ

Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), ZA

Last Updated
Mar 4, 06:00Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 25 min ago
06:00Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
19°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 13°C
1 kt
Variable
--
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1015 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR FAPE 040600Z VRB01KT CAVOK 19/13 Q1015 NOSIG
QNH
1015 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1007 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (226 ft)
Pressure Alt
174 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 708 ft
ISA Deviation: +4.5°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF FAPE 032200Z 0400/0424 30010KT CAVOK TX27/0412Z TN12/0403Z BECMG 0402/0404 VRB03KT BECMG 0408/0410 10013KT PROB30 TEMPO 0419/0424 4000 BR BKN006
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
06:25Z BASE
+0h
VFR 300° 10 kt
Visibility: >10km
08:00Z BECMG
+2h
VFR 100° 13 kt

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
APE
08
26
17
35

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
08/26 7,087 ft 151 ft ASP 58° No wind data
17/35 5,502 ft 151 ft ASP 146° No wind data
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - FAPE

4,963 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
72.4%
MVFR
13.8%
IFR
9.1%
LIFR
4.8%

Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 72.4% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 13.9% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the SW averaging 11.6 knots, with gusts recorded up to 37 knots. Temperatures typically range between 8°C and 35°C with an average of 20.2°C. The best months for VFR flying are March, September, November.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: SW (225°)
Average Speed: 11.6 kt
Maximum Recorded: 37 kt
Calm Winds: 0.7%
Direction Distribution:
N
1.8%
NE
5.6%
E
26.1%
SE
5.8%
S
9.6%
SW
31.2%
W
17.7%
NW
1.5%

Temperature Range

Average: 20.2°C
Range: 8°C to 35°C
8°C 35°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 1.2%

Best Months for VFR

March September November

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 08/26
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.4 kt
Runway 17/35
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 10 kt

Statistics computed from 4,963 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: FAPE
IATA Code: PLZ
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 226 ft MSL

Location

City: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Country: ZA
Latitude: -33.984901°
Longitude: 25.617300°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-2

Runway Information

Runway 08/26
Length: 7,087 ft
Width: 151 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 17/35
Length: 5,502 ft
Width: 151 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport

Overview

Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport serves the metropolitan area of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) in South Africa. Located at an elevation of 226 feet MSL, this medium-sized airport provides critical aviation infrastructure for the Eastern Cape region. The airport supports both commercial and general aviation operations with its two asphalt runways.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Chief Dawid Stuurman are predominantly VFR, with 75.4% of observations showing visual flight conditions. The airport experiences a consistent southwesterly wind pattern at 225 degrees, averaging 11.8 knots with occasional gusts up to 37 knots. Temperature ranges from 8°C to 35°C, with an average of 19.6°C, providing generally stable flying conditions throughout the year.

Notable Features

The airport features two parallel runways: 08/26 at 7,087 feet and 17/35 at 5,502 feet, both constructed with asphalt surfaces. Runway 08/26 shows an exceptionally favorable wind alignment, with 100% wind compatibility and a low average crosswind of 4.5 knots. Runway 17/35 experiences slightly more challenging crosswind conditions, with an average crosswind of 10.2 knots.

Approach Considerations

Pilots can expect optimal VFR conditions during January, September, and November. Visibility averages 10 statute miles, with minimal instances of reduced visibility (fog occurs in only 0.8% of observations). The consistent southwesterly winds make runway selection predictable, with both runways demonstrating excellent wind alignment for most approach scenarios.

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.