Büchel Air Base

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

Overview

Büchel Air Base is a medium-sized airport located near Alflen, Germany, situated at an elevation of 1,568 feet MSL. The base serves as a military airfield with a single asphalt runway (03/21) measuring 8,225 feet in length. Its strategic location in western Germany provides critical aviation infrastructure for military and potentially supporting civilian operations.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Büchel Air Base demonstrate significant variability, with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) prevailing 73.7% of the time. Winter months can present challenging conditions, with LIFR (Low Instrument Flight Rules) occurring 14% of observations and temperatures ranging from -8°C to 26°C. The prevailing southwest winds at 225° average 7.7 knots, with occasional gusts up to 28 knots.

Notable Features

The airport's terrain at 1,568 feet MSL suggests a moderately elevated location with potential terrain considerations for approach and departure. Wind patterns are consistently from the southwest, with calm conditions occurring only 2.1% of the time. The runway alignment (03/21) appears well-suited to the predominant wind direction, with favorable wind conditions 100% of the time.

Approach Considerations

Pilots should anticipate generally good visibility averaging 10 statute miles, with minimal instances of visibility below 3 miles. Seasonal variations suggest September, November, and December offer the most consistent VFR conditions. The average crosswind on Runway 03/21 is relatively mild at 3.5 knots, providing comfortable landing and takeoff conditions for most aircraft.