Tuscaloosa National Airport

KTCL / TCL

Tuscaloosa, US

Last Updated
Mar 5, 08:53Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 17 min ago
08:53Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
16°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 14°C
0 kt
9 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1021 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KTCL 050853Z AUTO 00000KT 9SM CLR 16/14 A3014 RMK AO2 SLP203 T01560139 52006
QNH
1021 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1015 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (170 ft)
Pressure Alt
-63 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 98 ft
ISA Deviation: +1.3°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KTCL 050530Z 0506/0606 17005KT P6SM SCT250 TEMPO 0510/0514 4SM BR OVC010 FM051400 VRB04KT P6SM SCT025 FM051500 19009KT P6SM BKN250
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
09:09Z BASE
+0h
VFR 170° 5 kt
Visibility: >6SM
10:00Z TEMPO
+1h
IFR
Visibility: 4SM
Ceiling: 1,000 ft
Mist
14:00Z FM051400
+5h
VFR VRB 4 kt
Visibility: >6SM
15:00Z FM051500
+6h
VFR 190° 9 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 25,000 ft

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
Chart Features
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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
TCL
04
22
11
29

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
04/22 6,499 ft 150 ft ASP 41°
0.0 kt 0.0 kt
41° angle
11/29 4,001 ft 100 ft ASP 117°
0.0 kt 0.0 kt
117° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KTCL

5,003 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
70.1%
MVFR
20%
IFR
7%
LIFR
2.9%

Tuscaloosa National Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 70.1% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 9.9% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 6.2 knots. Calm conditions occur 35.3% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -9°C to 35°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are September, March, October.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: S (180°)
Average Speed: 6.2 kt
Maximum Recorded: 20 kt
Calm Winds: 35.3%
Direction Distribution:
N
14.3%
NE
6.9%
E
3.6%
SE
3.1%
S
15.5%
SW
5.2%
W
5.5%
NW
10.7%

Temperature Range

Average: 13.4°C
Range: -9°C to 35°C
-9°C 35°C

Visibility

Average: 8.5 SM
Below 3 SM: 2.4%
Fog Frequency: 4%

Best Months for VFR

September March October

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 04/22
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.9 kt
Runway 11/29
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.5 kt

Statistics computed from 5,003 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Tuscaloosa National Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KTCL
IATA Code: TCL
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 170 ft MSL

Location

City: Tuscaloosa
Country: US
Latitude: 33.220600°
Longitude: -87.611397°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+6

Runway Information

Runway 04/22
Length: 6,499 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 11/29
Length: 4,001 ft
Width: 100 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Tuscaloosa National Airport

Overview

Tuscaloosa National Airport serves the Tuscaloosa metropolitan area in Alabama, providing critical aviation infrastructure for the region. Located at an elevation of 170 ft MSL, the airport supports medium-sized aircraft operations with two paved runways. Its strategic location and dual runway configuration offer flexibility for general aviation, training, and regional transportation needs.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at KTCL are predominantly favorable, with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) prevailing 69.8% of the time. Northerly winds dominate, averaging 5.9 knots with calm conditions occurring 38.8% of observations. Temperature ranges from -7°C to 35°C, with September through November offering the most consistent VFR flying conditions and minimal meteorological interruptions.

Notable Features

The airport features two asphalt runways: Runway 04/22 at 6,499 feet and Runway 11/29 at 4,001 feet. Both runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, with minimal average crosswind velocities (3.6 and 4.3 knots respectively). The relatively low elevation and balanced wind characteristics make this airport accessible for various aircraft types and pilot experience levels.

Approach Considerations

Pilots can expect excellent wind conditions for approaches, with low crosswind components on both runways. Visibility averages 8.4 statute miles, with only 2.7% of observations showing reduced visibility below 3 miles. Fog occurs in 4.9% of observations, suggesting generally clear approach conditions but requiring standard low-visibility procedural awareness.

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.