Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Airport

FAUL / ULD

Ulundi, ZA

Last Updated
Sep 17, 15:15Z

No METAR Available for FAUL

Showing weather from nearby airport with METAR data.

Currently using: FARB
Weather Source: Richards Bay Airport (FARB)
Distance: 44nm / 81km from FAUL

Current Weather

Display Units
Stale 5253 hours ago
15:15Z

☀️ Day
MVFR
Flight Rules
18°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 16°C
3 kt
Variable
5 km
Visibility
1,000 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

SPECI FARB 171515Z VRB03KT 060V180 5000 RA BKN010 OVC020 18/16 Q1019

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 1,720 ft
BKN 1,000 ft AGL
OVC 2,000 ft AGL
☁️
BKN
Broken (5/8-7/8 sky coverage)
1,000 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
2,720 ft AMSL
☁️
OVC
Overcast (8/8 sky coverage)
2,000 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
3,720 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

MVFR

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Airport is currently reporting marginal VFR (MVFR) conditions with overcast skies at 2,000 feet and 5 km visibility. Note: This observation is 5253.1 hours old and conditions may have changed.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the variable directions at 3 knots.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 5 km, below VFR minimums in some airspace classifications. Check local requirements before departing VFR. The ceiling is 1000 feet AGL (broken), placing conditions in the MVFR category.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 18°C (64°F) with a dewpoint of 16°C. The temperature-dewpoint spread is very narrow, indicating saturated or near-saturated air. Fog formation or low cloud development is likely.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 8 hours. Conditions are expected to remain VFR throughout the forecast period.

Pilot Recommendations

VFR pilots should exercise caution. Consider filing IFR if instrument rated, or postponing the flight if conditions are expected to deteriorate further. 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.

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF FARB 240900Z 2410/2418 VRB03KT 9999 BKN040 TX24/2411Z TN20/2418Z BECMG 2412/2414 05012KT
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
12:21Z BASE
+0h
VFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 4,000 ft

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
AUL
02
20
05
23

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
02/20 3,395 ft 59 ft ASP No wind data
05/23 5,381 ft 75 ft ASP 34° No wind data
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: FAUL
IATA Code: ULD
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 1,720 ft MSL

Location

City: Ulundi
Country: ZA
Latitude: -28.320601°
Longitude: 31.416500°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-2

Runway Information

Runway 02/20
Length: 3,395 ft
Width: 59 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 05/23
Length: 5,381 ft
Width: 75 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Airport

Overview

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Airport is a medium-sized airport located in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Situated at an elevation of 1,720 feet above mean sea level, the airport serves the local region with its two asphalt runways. Its strategic location provides important transportation infrastructure for the surrounding area.

Flying Conditions

The airport's elevation at 1,720 ft MSL indicates a moderate terrain environment that may influence aircraft performance. With two runways of different lengths (3,395 ft and 5,381 ft), the airport offers flexibility for various aircraft types. Pilots should be prepared for potential terrain-influenced wind conditions typical of the KwaZulu-Natal region.

Notable Features

The airport features two parallel runways oriented at 02/20 and 05/23, providing multiple approach options depending on wind conditions. The longer runway (05/23) at 5,381 feet offers substantially more landing and takeoff distance compared to the shorter 02/20 runway. The airport's geographic coordinates (-28.320601, 31.416500) place it in a region with potentially variable terrain and meteorological characteristics.

Approach Considerations

Runway selection should prioritize the longer 05/23 runway for most aircraft operations, which provides significantly more operational flexibility. The two runway orientations allow for wind adaptability, with pilots able to select the most appropriate runway based on current meteorological conditions. Standard approach procedures should account for the airport's moderate elevation and potential terrain influences.

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.