Military Airport
PPR AvailableThis is a Royal Air Force or Ministry of Defence aerodrome. Civil access may be available with Prior Permission Required (PPR).
Access Notes:
Many RAF stations accept civil PPR; consult UK AIP AD 2 for specific procedures
Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
VFRRAF Cranwell is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with broken clouds at 25,000 feet and 10 miles or greater visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the west (280°) at 10 knots. Runway 26 is favored with a 9-knot headwind and 3-knot crosswind component.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is unrestricted. The ceiling is 25000 feet AGL (broken), well above standard VFR minimums.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 11°C (52°F) with a dewpoint of 7°C. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread suggests high humidity and potential for visibility restrictions, especially during cooling periods.
Forecast Outlook
The TAF forecast covers the next 9 hours. The forecast shows a transition between VFR and IFR conditions. Pilots should monitor the forecast closely and have an alternate airport plan. Expected weather includes: Showers Rain, Heavy Showers Rain, Heavy Thunderstorm Small Hail. Expect variable wind speeds ranging from 7 to 19 knots. Temporary MVFR conditions are forecast with Showers Rain between 06:00Z and 15:00Z. There is a 30% probability of IFR conditions with Heavy Showers Rain, Heavy Thunderstorm Small Hail between 09:00Z and 15:00Z.
Pilot Recommendations
Conditions are favorable for visual flight. The forecast indicates conditions may deteriorate. Ensure you have fuel reserves and a viable alternate airport.
This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.
Forecast (TAF)
View Full TAF24-Hour Weather Evolution
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Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/19 | 4,803 ft | 147 ft | ASP | 8° |
↑ 0.3 kt
•
↔ 10.0 kt
88° angle
|
| 08/26 | 6,831 ft | 147 ft | ASP | 83° |
↓ 9.6 kt
•
↔ 2.9 kt
163° angle
|
|
✈️ 08R/26L
Active: 26L
|
2,354 ft | 131 ft | GRS | 89° |
↑ 9.4 kt
•
↔ 3.4 kt
20° angle
|
Weather Statistics - EGYD
12,639 observations | Sep 2025 - Jun 2026Flight Rules Distribution
RAF Cranwell typically experiences VFR conditions 63.4% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 20.9% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 11.2 knots, with gusts recorded up to 39 knots. Temperature extremes range from -7°C to 32°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are September, April, May.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 12,639 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jun 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
RAF Cranwell - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
About RAF Cranwell
RAF Cranwell is a military facility. Civilian access may be restricted or require Prior Permission (PPR). Pilots should consult the GB AIP for current access procedures and restrictions.
Overview
RAF Cranwell is a military airfield located in Lincolnshire, serving as a key training facility for the Royal Air Force. Situated at an elevation of 218 ft MSL near Sleaford, the airport supports various aviation operations with three distinct runways providing operational flexibility.
Flying Conditions
Pilots can expect predominantly VFR conditions 61.8% of the time, with marginal VFR and IFR conditions occurring less frequently. The prevailing southerly winds at an average of 11.4 knots create consistent wind patterns, with temperatures ranging from -7°C to 23°C and excellent average visibility of 10 statute miles.
Notable Features
The airport features three runways: two asphalt (01/19 at 4,803 ft and 08/26 at 6,831 ft) and one grass runway (08R/26L at 2,354 ft). The multiple runway configurations provide operational versatility, with all runways demonstrating 100% favorable wind alignment and relatively low average crosswind conditions around 7 knots.
Approach Considerations
September through November offer the most favorable VFR flying conditions at RAF Cranwell. Pilots should anticipate southerly winds and be prepared for potential wind variations, with maximum recorded wind speeds reaching 37 knots. The substantial runway lengths and multiple surface types provide options for different aircraft types and meteorological conditions.
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.
Learn More
Recommended guides based on current conditions at EGYD
Official Data Sources
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.