Emmen Air Base

Emmen 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

Emmen Air Base (LSME) is a medium-sized airport located in Switzerland at an elevation of 1,400 feet MSL. Situated near the town of Emmen, the airport serves as an important regional aviation facility with a substantial 8,208-foot asphalt runway oriented 04/22.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Emmen Air Base demonstrate significant variability, with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions prevailing 65.5% of the time. Pilots should anticipate potential marginal conditions, as MVFR occurs in 19.7% of observations, with IFR and LIFR accounting for the remaining 14.8%. Fog is notably frequent, occurring in 52.8% of observations, and temperatures range extensively from -14°C to 29°C.

Notable Features

The airport experiences predominantly southwestern winds at 225 degrees, with an average speed of 4.8 knots and maximum gusts reaching 28 knots. Calm wind conditions are reported in 61.6% of observations, suggesting relatively stable atmospheric conditions. The geographical positioning likely contributes to these wind characteristics and potential terrain-influenced meteorological variations.

Approach Considerations

Runway 04/22 demonstrates favorable wind alignment, with 100% wind compatibility and an average crosswind of just 2.1 knots. September, October, and November represent the most consistently favorable VFR months for aviation operations. Pilots should prepare for potential visibility challenges, though the average visibility remains robust at 10 statute miles.