Vance Air Force Base

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

Overview

Vance Air Force Base is a medium-sized airport located in Enid, Oklahoma, situated at an elevation of 1,307 feet MSL. As a significant military aviation training facility, the base supports multiple runways with a total of four distinct runway configurations. Its strategic location and extensive runway infrastructure make it a key training center for Air Force pilots.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Vance AFB demonstrate predominantly favorable flying conditions, with 82.4% of observations reporting VFR conditions. The prevailing wind is from the south at 180° with an average speed of 9.1 knots, and temperatures range from -13°C to 35°C. Pilots can expect excellent visibility averaging 9.6 statute miles, with minimal instances of low visibility or fog.

Notable Features

The airport features four runways with different lengths and surface types: two 9,202-foot parallel runways and two additional runways at 4,971 and 5,024 feet. All runways consistently show 100% favorable wind alignment, providing flexible operational capabilities. The airport's coordinate location at 36.339199, -97.916496 places it in a relatively flat region of Oklahoma with predictable meteorological characteristics.

Approach Considerations

Given the consistently favorable wind conditions, all runways offer reliable approach options with minimal crosswind challenges. Average crosswind components remain low, ranging between 4.1 and 5.5 knots across different runways. January, September, and December represent the most favorable months for VFR operations, offering optimal flying conditions for pilots utilizing the base's extensive runway system.