Cherry Point MCAS / Cunningham Field/

Cherry Point MCAS / Cunningham Field/ 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

Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) is a critical military aviation facility located in eastern North Carolina. Serving as a primary air station for Marine Corps aviation, the airport supports operational and training missions for marine aircraft squadrons. The base is situated at a low elevation of 29 feet MSL with four substantial asphalt runways capable of supporting heavy military aircraft.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Cherry Point are predominantly VFR, with 73.1% of observations reporting visual flight rules. The airport experiences moderate wind conditions, with a prevailing northerly wind at an average of 9 knots and occasional gusts up to 29 knots. Temperature ranges from -7°C to 33°C, creating diverse flying environments throughout the year, with November, January, and October presenting the most consistently favorable VFR conditions.

Notable Features

The airport features four parallel runways ranging from 7,553 to 8,984 feet in length, providing significant operational flexibility. All runways have 100% favorable wind coverage, with modest average crosswind components between 4.8 and 6.5 knots. The low elevation and coastal location suggest potential for marine layer developments and occasional visibility restrictions, with fog observed in 2.3% of recorded meteorological reports.

Approach Considerations

Pilots can expect generally stable approach conditions with good visibility averaging 9.2 statute miles. Instrument meteorological conditions occur in 12.1% of observations (combined IFR and LIFR), which may require alternative planning. The multiple parallel runways allow for efficient traffic management and wind-aligned approaches, with each runway offering excellent wind alignment characteristics.