Naval Air Station Meridian / McCain Field

Naval Air Station Meridian / McCain Field 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

Naval Air Station Meridian / McCain Field is a medium-sized military airfield located in Lauderdale, Mississippi, situated at an elevation of 316 feet MSL. The base primarily serves naval aviation training and operational requirements, featuring three concrete runways ranging from 6,401 to 8,002 feet in length. Its strategic location and substantial runway infrastructure support critical military aviation missions.

Flying Conditions

The airport experiences predominantly Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions, with 66.9% of observations reporting VFR weather. Temperature variations are significant, ranging from -7°C to 35°C, with an average of 14.5°C. Wind patterns are characterized by northerly prevailing winds at an average of 5.6 knots, with calm conditions occurring 34.1% of the time and maximum gusts reaching 24 knots.

Notable Features

The airport features three parallel and intersecting runways, providing multiple operational configurations for aircraft. All runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, with minimal average crosswind components ranging from 3.4 to 3.8 knots. Visibility averages 9.1 statute miles, with only 3.6% of observations reporting visibility below 3 miles and 2.5% experiencing fog conditions.

Approach Considerations

September through November represent the most favorable VFR flying months, offering optimal meteorological conditions for aviation operations. Pilots can expect consistent runway usability due to the favorable wind alignments across all three runways. The wide range of runway lengths (6,401 to 8,002 feet) provides flexibility for various aircraft types and operational requirements.