Misawa Airport / Misawa Air Base

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

Overview

Misawa Airport serves as a joint civilian and military airfield located in northern Honshu, Japan. Strategically positioned near the Pacific coast, the airport supports both Japanese Air Self-Defense Force and United States Air Force operations. The airport's substantial 10,000-foot runway accommodates a wide range of aircraft types and operational requirements.

Flying Conditions

Pilots can expect predominantly favorable Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions, with 83% of observations showing clear weather. The airport experiences moderate temperature variations, ranging from -8°C to 31°C, with an average temperature of 7.6°C. Westerly winds prevail, averaging 8.3 knots, with occasional gusts up to 33 knots, providing consistent and predictable wind conditions.

Notable Features

Situated at 119 feet above mean sea level, Misawa Airport offers relatively flat terrain with minimal elevation challenges. The airport's geographic location exposes it to maritime air masses, which contribute to its consistent visibility averaging 10 statute miles. The runway's asphalt surface and generous 10,000-foot length enable operations for large military and commercial aircraft.

Approach Considerations

Runway 10/28 demonstrates favorable wind alignment, with 100% wind compatibility and a modest average crosswind of 3.7 knots. September, October, and November represent the most consistent VFR months for aviation operations. Pilots should anticipate stable approach conditions, with minimal risk of low visibility or fog, as evidenced by less than 1% occurrence in historical observations.