Columbus Municipal Airport

KOLU / OLU

Columbus, US

Last Updated
Mar 4, 21:56Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Aging 1 hour ago
21:56Z

🌙 Night
MVFR
Flight Rules
9°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 6°C
5 kt
140°
10 SM
Visibility
2,600 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
1016 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KOLU 042156Z AUTO 14005KT 10SM OVC026 09/06 A2999 RMK AO2 SLP165 T00890056

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 1,447 ft
OVC 2,600 ft AGL
☁️
OVC
Overcast (8/8 sky coverage)
2,600 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
4,047 ft AMSL
QNH
1016 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
968 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (1,447 ft)
Pressure Alt
1,365 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 992 ft
ISA Deviation: -3.1°C

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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Data Sources
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  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
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Airport Runway Layout

N
OLU
02
20
14 ✈️
32

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
02/20 4,135 ft 150 ft GRS 29°
1.8 kt 4.7 kt
111° angle
✈️ 14/32
Active: 14
6,800 ft 100 ft CON 150°
5.0 kt 0.0 kt
0° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KOLU

4,739 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
73.7%
MVFR
15.7%
IFR
5.4%
LIFR
5.2%

Columbus Municipal Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 73.7% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 10.6% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the NW averaging 8.7 knots, with gusts recorded up to 37 knots. Calm conditions occur 14.1% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -22°C to 34°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are September, February, October.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: NW (315°)
Average Speed: 8.7 kt
Maximum Recorded: 37 kt
Calm Winds: 14.1%
Direction Distribution:
N
10.3%
NE
6.9%
E
11%
SE
8.8%
S
15.2%
SW
7.7%
W
10.4%
NW
15.7%

Temperature Range

Average: 3.9°C
Range: -22°C to 34°C
-22°C 34°C

Visibility

Average: 9.3 SM
Below 3 SM: 2.5%
Fog Frequency: 2.4%

Best Months for VFR

September February October

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 02/20
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.6 kt
Runway 14/32
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.5 kt

Statistics computed from 4,739 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Columbus Municipal Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KOLU
IATA Code: OLU
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 1,447 ft MSL

Location

City: Columbus
Country: US
Latitude: 41.448145°
Longitude: -97.340174°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+6

Runway Information

Runway 02/20
Length: 4,135 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: GRS
ILS: No
Runway 14/32
Length: 6,800 ft
Width: 100 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No

About Columbus Municipal Airport

Overview

Columbus Municipal Airport serves the transportation needs of Columbus, Nebraska, located in the northeastern part of the state. As a medium-sized airport with two runways, it provides critical aviation infrastructure for the region, supporting general aviation, potential commercial, and local aircraft operations. The airport sits at an elevation of 1,447 feet above mean sea level.

Flying Conditions

The airport experiences predominantly Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions, with 73.2% of observations showing clear weather. Wind patterns are consistently from the south at an average of 8.8 knots, with occasional gusts up to 37 knots. Temperature variations are significant, ranging from -22°C to 34°C, which pilots should consider for performance planning. September, October, and January offer the most consistent VFR flying conditions.

Notable Features

Both runways at Columbus Municipal demonstrate favorable wind alignment, with 100% wind compatibility. Runway 02/20 is a grass surface measuring 4,135 feet, while Runway 14/32 is a concrete surface extending 6,800 feet. The concrete runway provides a more substantial all-weather option for aircraft operations. Average crosswind components are relatively moderate, with 5.8 knots for Runway 02/20 and 4.5 knots for Runway 14/32.

Approach Considerations

Pilots should anticipate predominantly southern wind conditions when planning approaches. Visibility averages 9.3 statute miles, with only 2.7% of observations showing visibility below 3 miles. Fog is present in approximately 2.5% of observations, which is relatively infrequent. The concrete Runway 14/32 offers the longest and most robust surface for most aircraft types, providing flexibility in approach and landing strategies.

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.