Dover Air Force Base

Dover 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

Dover Air Force Base is a strategic military airfield located in Delaware, serving as a critical transportation hub for military logistics and aerial operations. As a medium airport situated at 24 feet above sea level, KDOV plays a significant role in supporting military mobility and strategic airlift missions for the United States Air Force.

Flying Conditions

Pilots can expect predominantly favorable VFR conditions 70.7% of the time, with MVFR conditions occurring 17.2% of observations. The airport experiences a moderate temperature range from -10°C to 30°C, with an average temperature of 10.2°C. Prevailing westerly winds at an average of 8.5 knots provide generally stable flying conditions, with calm periods occurring 10.3% of the time.

Notable Features

Both runways at Dover AFB offer extensive length, with Runway 01/19 measuring 9,602 feet and Runway 14/32 extending to 12,903 feet. These long runways accommodate large military transport aircraft and provide flexibility for various operational requirements. The airport's low elevation of 24 feet MSL contributes to relatively consistent approach and landing characteristics.

Approach Considerations

Both primary runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, with minimal average crosswind components of 5.3-5.5 knots. Visibility averages 9.5 statute miles, with extremely rare occurrences of visibility below 3 miles (0.7% of observations) and minimal fog interference (0.9%). October, November, and January historically present the most consistent VFR flying conditions for pilots.