Gweru - Thornhill Air Base

FVTL / GWE

Gweru, ZW

Last Updated
Apr 22, 18:00Z

No METAR Available for FVTL

Showing weather from nearby airport with METAR data.

Currently using: FVMV
Weather Source: Masvingo International Airport (FVMV)
Distance: 67nm / 125km from FVTL

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
Stale 9 hours ago
18:00Z

🌙 Night
MVFR
Flight Rules
18°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 17°C
14 kt
160°
10+ km
Visibility
1,500 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR FVMV 221800Z 16014KT 9999 -DZ OVC015 18/17 Q1022

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 4,680 ft
OVC 1,500 ft AGL
☁️
OVC
Overcast (8/8 sky coverage)
1,500 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
6,180 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

MVFR

Gweru - Thornhill Air Base is currently reporting marginal VFR (MVFR) conditions with overcast skies at 1,500 feet and 10 miles or greater visibility. Note: This observation is 8.5 hours old and conditions may have changed.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the south-southeast (160°) at 14 knots. Runway 13L/31R is favored with a 12-knot headwind and 7-knot crosswind component.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is unrestricted. The ceiling is 1500 feet AGL (overcast), placing conditions in the MVFR category.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 18°C (64°F) with a dewpoint of 17°C. The temperature-dewpoint spread is very narrow, indicating saturated or near-saturated air. Fog formation or low cloud development is likely.

Pilot Recommendations

VFR pilots should exercise caution. Consider filing IFR if instrument rated, or postponing the flight if conditions are expected to deteriorate further. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

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
VTL
13L ✈️
31R
13R ✈️
31L

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 13L/31R
Active: 13L
8,766 ft 100 ft ASP 116°
12.1 kt 7.0 kt
30° angle
✈️ 13R/31L
Active: 13R
7,826 ft 93 ft ASP 116°
12.1 kt 7.0 kt
30° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Gweru - Thornhill Air Base - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: FVTL
IATA Code: GWE
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 4,680 ft MSL

Location

City: Gweru
Country: ZW
Latitude: -19.436718°
Longitude: 29.861945°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-2

Runway Information

Runway 13L/31R
Length: 8,766 ft
Width: 100 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 13R/31L
Length: 7,826 ft
Width: 93 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Gweru - Thornhill Air Base

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

Overview

Gweru - Thornhill Air Base is a medium airport located in Gweru, Zimbabwe, situated at an elevation of 4,680 feet mean sea level. The airport serves the central region of Zimbabwe and supports both military and potentially civilian aviation operations. Its geographical coordinates are -19.436718, 29.861945, positioning it in a strategic location within the country's interior.

Flying Conditions

At 4,680 feet MSL, pilots should anticipate higher density altitude conditions, particularly during warmer periods which can impact aircraft performance. The airport features two substantial asphalt runways: 13L/31R measuring 8,766 feet and 13R/31L measuring 7,826 feet, providing considerable operational flexibility. Pilots should prepare for potential elevation-related performance calculations and consider temperature effects on aircraft capabilities.

Notable Features

The airport's dual runway configuration allows for operational adaptability based on wind conditions and traffic requirements. Both runways are constructed of asphalt, providing a consistent surface for aircraft operations. The significant runway lengths of 8,766 and 7,826 feet suggest the airport can accommodate a wide range of aircraft types, from smaller regional aircraft to larger transport and potentially military platforms.

Approach Considerations

Runway orientations of 13L/31R and 13R/31L indicate potential crosswind considerations for approaching and departing aircraft. Pilots should conduct standard terrain and wind assessments during pre-flight planning, considering the airport's elevated terrain at 4,680 feet MSL. Standard instrument approach procedures and visual flight rules should be carefully evaluated based on current meteorological conditions.

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.