Alpnach Air Base

LSMA

Alpnach, CH

Last Updated
Mar 4, 05:50Z

Military Airport

Restricted

This is a military aerodrome. Civil aircraft access may be restricted or require prior authorization. Consult the applicable AIP for current access procedures.

Consult the applicable national AIP for current access procedures and restrictions.

Current Weather

Display Units
Recent 32 min ago
05:50Z

🌅 Dawn
VFR
Flight Rules
1°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 0°C
2 kt
210°
--
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1026 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR LSMA 040550Z AUTO 21002KT 9999NDV NCD 01/M00 Q1026 RMK
QNH
1026 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
977 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (1,460 ft)
Pressure Alt
1,078 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: -252 ft
ISA Deviation: -11.1°C

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
SMA
01
19 ✈️

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 01/19
Active: 19
6,135 ft 131 ft ASP 11°
1.9 kt 0.7 kt
20° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - LSMA

7,503 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
71.1%
MVFR
17%
IFR
4.7%
LIFR
7.1%

Alpnach Air Base typically experiences VFR conditions 71.1% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 11.8% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 4.6 knots. Calm conditions occur 22.8% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -13°C to 27°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. Fog is a notable factor, occurring in approximately 27.6% of observations, with visibility below 3 SM in 0% of reports. The best months for VFR flying are March, September, November.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: S (180°)
Average Speed: 4.6 kt
Maximum Recorded: 23 kt
Calm Winds: 22.8%
Direction Distribution:
N
3.4%
NE
14.1%
E
7.2%
SE
0.8%
S
28.1%
SW
18.5%
W
4.8%
NW
0.2%

Temperature Range

Average: 5.2°C
Range: -13°C to 27°C
-13°C 27°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 27.6%

Best Months for VFR

March September November

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 01/19
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 2.2 kt

Statistics computed from 7,503 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Alpnach Air Base - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: LSMA
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 1,460 ft MSL

Location

City: Alpnach
Country: CH
Latitude: 46.943901°
Longitude: 8.284170°
Time Zone: Europe/Brussels

Runway Information

Runway 01/19
Length: 6,135 ft
Width: 131 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Alpnach Air Base

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

Overview

Alpnach Air Base (LSMA) is a medium-sized airport located in central Switzerland at an elevation of 1,460 feet MSL. Situated near the coordinates 46.943901, 8.284170, the airport serves an important regional role with its single runway 01/19, which spans 6,135 feet and is constructed of asphalt.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Alpnach demonstrate significant variability, with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) prevailing 69.7% of the time. The airport experiences moderate temperature ranges from -13°C to 27°C, with an average temperature of 5.6°C. Notably, fog occurs in 29.6% of observations, and September through November offer the most consistently favorable VFR conditions.

Notable Features

The airport's wind patterns are characterized by a southerly prevailing wind at 180 degrees, with an average speed of 4.6 knots and maximum gusts up to 23 knots. Calm wind conditions are present 22.7% of the time, which provides relatively stable approach conditions for pilots navigating the region's terrain.

Approach Considerations

Runway 01/19 demonstrates highly favorable wind alignment, with 100% wind compatibility and an average crosswind of just 2.2 knots. Visibility averages 10 statute miles, with extremely rare instances of visibility below 3 miles, suggesting generally clear approach conditions for most operations.

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.