Gray Army Air Field

Gray Army Air 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

Gray Army Air Field serves Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma, Washington, supporting military aviation operations. Located at 300 feet mean sea level, the airport provides critical infrastructure for tactical and transport aircraft in the Pacific Northwest region.

Flying Conditions

Pilots can expect predominantly VFR conditions 62.3% of the time, with marginal VFR occurring in 20.9% of observations. Seasonal temperature variations range from -4°C to 32°C, creating diverse flying environments throughout the year. Southeast winds at an average of 7 knots characterize the local wind pattern, with calm conditions observed 29.8% of the time.

Notable Features

The single runway 15/33 is 6,125 feet long with an asphalt surface, providing adequate length for medium-sized military aircraft. The airport's location near Tacoma offers strategic positioning with consistent wind conditions that strongly favor runway alignment, with wind parameters supporting runway operations 100% of the time.

Approach Considerations

Approach planning should consider the prevailing southeast winds, with an average crosswind of only 2.7 knots. Visibility typically remains good, averaging 9.2 statute miles, though pilots should be prepared for occasional reduced visibility periods, with fog present in 5.6% of observations and visibility below 3 miles in 2.2% of reports.