China Lake Naws (Armitage Field) Airport

KNID

China Lake, US

Last Updated
Mar 5, 00:56Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Recent 39 min ago
00:56Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
21°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 2°C
17 kt
280° G24 kt
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1010 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KNID 050056Z AUTO 28017G24KT 10SM CLR 21/02 A2984 RMK AO2 PK WND 29028/0045 SLP102 T02060022 $
QNH
1010 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
934 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (2,283 ft)
Pressure Alt
2,381 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 3,649 ft
ISA Deviation: +10.6°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KNID 0423/0523 26012KT 9999 FEW160 FEW250 520009 540909 QNH2982INS TEMPO 0502/0508 25018G25KT FM051100 33015KT 9999 FEW150 FEW220 520009 540909 QNH2984INS TEMPO 0514/0520 35018G25KT AUTOMATED SENSOR METWATCH 0423 TIL 0515 TX19/0522Z TN04/0514Z FS30217 Z TN12/0511Z
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
01:35Z BASE
+0h
VFR 260° 12 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
02:00Z TEMPO
+1h
VFR 250° 18 kt
11:00Z FM051100
+10h
VFR 330° 15 kt
Visibility: 10+ km

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
NID
03
21
08
26 ✈️
14
32

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
03/21 9,991 ft 200 ft PEM 42°
9.0 kt 14.4 kt
122° angle
✈️ 08/26
Active: 26
7,701 ft 200 ft PEM 90°
16.0 kt 5.8 kt
20° angle
14/32 9,011 ft 200 ft PEM 154°
10.0 kt 13.8 kt
126° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KNID

5,649 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
94.4%
MVFR
3.5%
IFR
1%
LIFR
1.2%

China Lake Naws (Armitage Field) Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 94.4% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the SW averaging 7.3 knots. Calm conditions occur 28.8% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -4°C to 38°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are October, February, September.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: SW (225°)
Average Speed: 7.3 kt
Maximum Recorded: 27 kt
Calm Winds: 28.8%
Direction Distribution:
N
3.5%
NE
3.2%
E
3.3%
SE
5.6%
S
15.8%
SW
27.9%
W
9.2%
NW
2.8%

Temperature Range

Average: 13.1°C
Range: -4°C to 38°C
-4°C 38°C

Visibility

Average: 9.8 SM
Below 3 SM: 0.5%
Fog Frequency: 0.4%

Best Months for VFR

October February September

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 03/21
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3 kt
Runway 08/26
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.7 kt
Runway 14/32
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.9 kt

Statistics computed from 5,649 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

China Lake Naws (Armitage Field) Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KNID
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 2,283 ft MSL

Location

City: China Lake
Country: US
Latitude: 35.685398°
Longitude: -117.692001°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+8

Runway Information

Runway 03/21
Length: 9,991 ft
Width: 200 ft
Surface: PEM
ILS: No
Runway 08/26
Length: 7,701 ft
Width: 200 ft
Surface: PEM
ILS: No
Runway 14/32
Length: 9,011 ft
Width: 200 ft
Surface: PEM
ILS: No

About China Lake Naws (Armitage Field) Airport

Overview

China Lake Naws (Armitage Field) Airport serves the Naval Air Weapons Station located in the high desert region of California. Situated at 2283 ft MSL, this medium airport supports military aviation operations with three substantial runways ranging from 7,701 to 9,991 feet in length. The airport is strategically positioned near the western edge of the China Lake basin.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at KNID are predominantly VFR, with 93.4% of observations reporting visual flight rules. Prevailing winds from the southwest (225°) average 6.9 knots, with occasional gusts up to 23 knots. Temperature ranges from -4°C to 38°C, creating diverse atmospheric conditions that pilots must consider during flight planning. September through November offer the most consistent VFR weather patterns.

Notable Features

The airport features three parallel-oriented runways with precision equipment marking (PEM), providing multiple landing options. All three runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, with minimal average crosswind components ranging from 2.9 to 5.4 knots. The high desert environment and elevation of 2283 ft MSL contribute to unique aeronautical characteristics that demand careful preflight preparation.

Approach Considerations

Pilots can expect excellent runway performance with long runway lengths allowing operations for various aircraft types. Visibility averages 9.7 statute miles, with only 0.6% of observations showing conditions below 3SM. Runway 03/21, the longest at 9,991 feet, provides the most extensive operational flexibility. Wind conditions consistently favor all runway configurations, offering predictable approach and landing scenarios.

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.