JMSDF Shimofusa Air Base

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

Overview

JMSDF Shimofusa Air Base serves as a strategic military aviation facility located in Matsudo, Japan. Situated at 98 feet above mean sea level, the base operates a single concrete runway (01/19) measuring 7,380 feet in length. The airport's geographical coordinates (35.798901, 140.011002) place it in the Greater Tokyo metropolitan region.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Shimofusa exhibit significant variability, with instrument flight rules (IFR) dominating 35.2% of observations and low IFR conditions present 28.9% of the time. Prevailing northwest winds at an average of 5.4 knots characterize the local wind patterns, with occasional gusts reaching 24 knots. Temperature ranges from 0°C to 34°C, creating diverse atmospheric conditions throughout the year.

Notable Features

The airport experiences consistent northwest wind patterns, with wind direction predominantly at 315 degrees. Visibility averages 10 statute miles, with fog occurring in 19.2% of observations. Calm wind conditions are rare, existing in only 0.5% of recorded meteorological data, which suggests predictable wind dynamics for pilots.

Approach Considerations

Runway 01/19 demonstrates favorable wind alignment, with 100% wind compatibility and an average crosswind of just 3.1 knots. January, September, and November represent the most consistently favorable visual flight rules (VFR) months for operations. Pilots should anticipate potential instrument meteorological conditions, particularly given the high percentage of IFR and low IFR observations.