Helena Regional Airport

KHLN / HLN

Helena, US

Last Updated
Jul 27, 14:53Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 30 min ago
14:53Z

☀️ Day
MVFR
Flight Rules
21°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 8°C
3 kt
70°
5 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1019 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KHLN 271453Z 07003KT 5SM HZ CLR 21/08 A3009 RMK AO2 SLP166 T02060078 51009

Weather Briefing

MVFR

Helena Regional Airport is currently reporting marginal VFR (MVFR) conditions with clear skies and 5 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the east-northeast (70°) at 3 knots.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 5 SM. Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 21°C (70°F) with a dewpoint of 8°C, indicating relatively dry conditions. High temperatures at this elevation may result in significant density altitude effects. Pilots should calculate density altitude and adjust performance expectations accordingly.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions. Expected weather includes: Smoke.

Pilot Recommendations

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

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

QNH
1019 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
890 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (3,877 ft)
Pressure Alt
3,705 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 5,355 ft
ISA Deviation: +13.8°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KHLN 271120Z 2712/2812 VRB03KT 6SM FU FEW050 FM280300 VRB04KT 5SM FU FEW050
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
15:22Z BASE
+0h
VFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: 6SM
Smoke
03:00Z FM280300
+12h
MVFR VRB 4 kt
Visibility: 5SM
Smoke

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
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
HLN
05 ✈️
23
09
27
16
34

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 05/23
Active: 05
4,644 ft 75 ft ASP 66°
2.8 kt 1.0 kt
20° angle
09/27 9,000 ft 150 ft ASP 103°
2.5 kt 1.6 kt
33° angle
16/34 2,989 ft 75 ft ASP 179°
1.0 kt 2.8 kt
109° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KHLN

7,983 observations | Sep 2025 - Jul 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
87.9%
MVFR
7.6%
IFR
3.2%
LIFR
1.2%

Helena Regional Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 87.9% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the W averaging 8.2 knots, with gusts recorded up to 41 knots. Calm conditions occur 23% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -21°C to 37°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are July, January, September.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: W (270°)
Average Speed: 8.2 kt
Maximum Recorded: 41 kt
Calm Winds: 23%
Direction Distribution:
E
4.9%
N
8.3%
S
4.7%
W
33.9%
NE
3.3%
NW
12.1%
SE
3%
SW
6.8%

Temperature Range

Average: 7.6°C
Range: -21°C to 37°C
-21°C 37°C

Visibility

Average: 9.6 SM
Below 3 SM: 1.6%
Fog Frequency: 0.8%

Best Months for VFR

July January September

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 05/23
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.5 kt
Runway 09/27
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.4 kt
Runway 16/34
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 6.1 kt

Statistics computed from 7,983 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jul 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Helena Regional Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KHLN
IATA Code: HLN
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 3,877 ft MSL

Location

City: Helena
Country: US
Latitude: 46.606800°
Longitude: -111.983002°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+7

Runway Information

Runway 05/23
Length: 4,644 ft
Width: 75 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 09/27
Length: 9,000 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 16/34
Length: 2,989 ft
Width: 75 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Helena Regional Airport

Overview

Helena Regional Airport serves central Montana, situated at an elevation of 3,877 feet MSL in the state capital region. The airport provides medium-sized airport infrastructure with three asphalt runways, supporting various general aviation, commercial, and potentially regional transport operations. Its strategic location in Helena makes it a critical aviation resource for west-central Montana.

Flying Conditions

The airport experiences predominantly VFR conditions, with 88.6% of observations showing clear flying weather. Temperatures range dramatically from -21°C to 30°C, presenting significant seasonal variation for pilots. Wind patterns are consistently westerly at an average of 7.6 knots, with occasional stronger gusts up to 41 knots, and calm conditions occurring 29% of the time.

Notable Features

The airport features three runways with substantial length variations: a shorter 2,989-foot runway 16/34, a medium 4,644-foot runway 05/23, and a longer 9,000-foot runway 09/27. All runways are paved and offer consistent wind alignment, with each runway showing 100% favorable wind conditions. The high elevation and diverse runway configuration provide flexibility for different aircraft types and operational requirements.

Approach Considerations

Pilots can expect excellent wind alignment across all runways, with minimal average crosswind components (3.2-5.7 knots). Visibility averages 9.6 statute miles, with only 1.5% of observations showing reduced visibility below 3 miles. September, January, and November statistically offer the most consistent VFR conditions, providing predictable approach environments for aviators.

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.