Military Airport
RestrictedThis is a U.S. military installation. Civil aircraft operations are generally prohibited without prior authorization.
Access Notes:
Most military airfields closed to civil traffic; some joint-use exceptions exist
Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
VFRFairchild Air Force Base is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with few clouds at 9,500 feet and 10 SM visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the northeast (40°) at 10 knots. Runway 05/23 is favored with a 10-knot headwind and 2-knot crosswind component.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is 10 SM. No ceiling exists. Cloud layers reported: few at 9,500 ft.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 8°C (46°F) with a dewpoint of -6°C, indicating relatively dry conditions.
Forecast Outlook
The TAF forecast covers the next 30 hours. Conditions are expected to remain VFR throughout the forecast period.
Pilot Recommendations
Conditions are favorable for visual flight.
This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.
Forecast (TAF)
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Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✈️ 05/23
Active: 05
|
13,901 ft | 200 ft | CON | 67° |
↑ 9.8 kt
•
↔ 1.7 kt
10° angle
|
Weather Statistics - KSKA
8,688 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Fairchild Air Force Base is frequently affected by reduced visibility conditions, with VFR weather only 57.6% of the time and IFR/LIFR conditions occurring in 29.1% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the SW averaging 7.8 knots, with gusts recorded up to 35 knots. Calm conditions occur 16.2% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -10°C to 30°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. Fog is a notable factor, occurring in approximately 10.4% of observations, with visibility below 3 SM in 3.4% of reports. The best months for VFR flying are September, October, April.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 8,688 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Fairchild Air Force Base - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
About Fairchild Air Force Base
Fairchild Air Force Base 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
Fairchild Air Force Base is a medium-sized military airport located near Spokane, Washington, serving critical Air Force operations in the Pacific Northwest. Situated at an elevation of 2,461 feet MSL, the base hosts significant military aviation infrastructure and supports strategic Air Force missions. Its single runway, 05/23, extends an impressive 13,901 feet, accommodating large military aircraft and providing substantial operational flexibility.
Flying Conditions
Weather conditions at Fairchild AFB demonstrate significant variability, with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions prevailing 57.3% of the time. Pilots should anticipate challenging conditions, as Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Low Instrument Flight Rules (LIFR) collectively account for 30.3% of observations. Temperature ranges from -9°C to 30°C, with an average of 5°C, and winds predominantly from the southwest at an average of 7.8 knots, occasionally gusting to 35 knots.
Notable Features
The airport's geographic location in eastern Washington creates unique meteorological characteristics, with potential for rapid weather changes. Visibility averages 9 statute miles, though fog occurs in 12% of observations and visibility can drop below 3 miles in 3.7% of cases. Pilots should be particularly attentive during winter months and be prepared for potential low-visibility scenarios.
Approach Considerations
Runway 05/23 offers highly favorable wind alignment, with 100% wind compatibility and a low average crosswind of 2.8 knots. September, October, and November represent the most consistently favorable VFR months for operations. Pilots should reference current METARs and forecast data, given the airport's potential for significant weather variability.
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 KSKA
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.