Beale Air Force Base

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

Overview

Beale Air Force Base is a medium airport located in Northern California at 39.136101, -121.436996, with an elevation of 113 ft MSL. The base serves military aviation operations, situated in a strategic location within the region. Its primary runway 15/33 provides a substantial 12,000-foot concrete surface for various aircraft.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Beale AFB demonstrate significant variability, with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) prevailing 60.4% of the time. Pilots can expect predominantly southeastern winds averaging 7.6 knots, with calm conditions occurring 27.5% of observations. Temperature ranges from 0°C to 37°C, with an average of 12.7°C, presenting potential thermal and wind considerations for flight planning.

Notable Features

The airport's geographical positioning in Northern California influences its meteorological characteristics, with potential terrain-related wind and visibility effects. Instrument meteorological conditions occur frequently, with MVFR, IFR, and LIFR conditions combining for 39.6% of observations. Visibility averages 8.5 statute miles, with fog present in 9.3% of recorded periods.

Approach Considerations

Runway 15/33 demonstrates favorable wind alignment 100% of the time, with an average crosswind of just 3.1 knots. Pilots should note September, October, and January offer the most consistently favorable VFR conditions. During approach, be prepared for potential visibility restrictions and temperature variations typical of the region's microclimate.