Pietermaritzburg Airport

FAPM / PZB

Pietermaritzburg, ZA

Last Updated
Mar 4, 20:00Z

No METAR Available for FAPM

Showing weather from nearby airport with METAR data.

Currently using: FALE
Weather Source: King Shaka International Airport (FALE)
Distance: 38nm / 70km from FAPM

Current Weather

Display Units
Recent 49 min ago
20:00Z

🌙 Night
IFR
Flight Rules
25°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 23°C
12 kt
10°
10+ km
Visibility
800 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
1014 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR FALE 042000Z 01012KT 9999 OVC008 25/23 Q1014 NOSIG

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 2,423 ft
OVC 800 ft AGL
☁️
OVC
Overcast (8/8 sky coverage)
800 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
3,223 ft AMSL
QNH
1014 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
933 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (2,423 ft)
Pressure Alt
2,401 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 4,183 ft
ISA Deviation: +14.8°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF COR FALE 041649Z 0418/0524 03010KT 9999 OVC012 TX33/0512Z TN21/0503Z BECMG 0422/0424 36005KT PROB30 TEMPO 0500/0503 1500 BR OVC005 FM050700 04015KT CAVOK PROB40 TEMPO 0511/0516 04015G25KT PROB30 TEMPO 0516/0518 5000 -TSRA BKN015 FEW030CB
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
20:49Z BASE
+0h
MVFR 30° 10 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 1,200 ft
22:00Z BECMG
+2h
VFR 360° 5 kt
00:00Z PROB30 TEMPO
+4h
LIFR
Visibility: 1.5 km
Ceiling: 500 ft
Mist
07:00Z FM050700
+11h
VFR 40° 15 kt
Visibility: >10km

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
APM
16
34 ✈️

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 16/34
Active: 34
5,043 ft 98 ft ASP 142°
10.4 kt 6.0 kt
30° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Pietermaritzburg Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: FAPM
IATA Code: PZB
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 2,423 ft MSL

Location

City: Pietermaritzburg
Country: ZA
Latitude: -29.649000°
Longitude: 30.398701°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-2

Runway Information

Runway 16/34
Length: 5,043 ft
Width: 98 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Pietermaritzburg Airport

Overview

Pietermaritzburg Airport serves the urban and regional transportation needs of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands region in South Africa. Located at an elevation of 2423 feet mean sea level, the airport provides critical infrastructure for general aviation, regional connections, and potential commercial operations. Its geographic positioning near Pietermaritzburg offers strategic access to the surrounding metropolitan and rural areas.

Flying Conditions

The airport's elevated position at 2423 ft MSL suggests potential for variable atmospheric conditions typical of inland South African terrain. Pilots should anticipate temperature and density altitude variations that can impact aircraft performance, particularly during warmer months. The single runway's orientation of 16/34 provides some wind flexibility for operations.

Notable Features

The airport features a 5043-foot asphalted runway (16/34), which supports medium-sized aircraft operations. Its coordinate location at -29.649000, 30.398701 places it in a region with potentially complex terrain and meteorological interactions between coastal and inland atmospheric systems. The runway length and surface type indicate suitability for general aviation and smaller commercial aircraft.

Approach Considerations

Runway 16/34's substantial length of 5043 feet allows for relatively flexible approach options, with potential preferences based on prevailing wind conditions. Pilots should conduct thorough pre-flight planning to understand current wind patterns and their potential impact on landing and takeoff performance. Standard instrument approach procedures and local meteorological briefing are recommended for safe operations.

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.