Ysterplaat Air Force Base

Ysterplaat Air Force Base is a military facility. Civilian access may be restricted or require Prior Permission (PPR). Pilots should consult the ZA AIP for current access procedures and restrictions.

Overview

Ysterplaat Air Force Base is a military airport situated in Cape Town, South Africa, serving the South African Air Force (SAAF) operations. Located at coordinates -33.900200, 18.498301, the base is positioned at a low elevation of 52 feet above mean sea level, providing relatively straightforward terrain for aviation operations.

Flying Conditions

Cape Town's coastal location introduces variable wind conditions that can impact flight operations at Ysterplaat AFB. The single runway 02/20, measuring 5200 feet in length with an asphalt surface, offers pilots a substantial landing and takeoff area that can accommodate medium-sized aircraft typical of military and support operations.

Notable Features

The airport's proximity to Cape Town's urban environment means pilots should anticipate potential complex airspace interactions and potential traffic from nearby civilian airports. The 5200-foot runway provides adequate length for most military and transport aircraft, with the low elevation minimizing significant altitude-related performance considerations.

Approach Considerations

Runway 02/20's orientation suggests potential wind alignment variations, requiring pilots to carefully assess current meteorological conditions before approach. The asphalt runway surface provides consistent ground handling characteristics, with the airport's low elevation ensuring predictable aircraft performance during landing and takeoff procedures.