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
VFRShaw Air Force Base is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with few clouds at 6,000 feet and 10 SM visibility. Note: This observation is 1.4 hours old and conditions may have changed.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the south (170°) at 5 knots. Runway 22 is favored with a 3-knot headwind and 4-knot crosswind component.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is 10 SM. No ceiling exists. Cloud layers reported: few at 6,000 ft.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 25°C (77°F) with a dewpoint of 22°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 30 hours. Conditions are expected to remain VFR throughout the forecast period.
Pilot Recommendations
Conditions are favorable for visual flight. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✈️ 04L/22R
Active: 22R
|
10,016 ft | 150 ft | CON | 34° |
↑ 3.2 kt
•
↔ 3.8 kt
50° angle
|
|
✈️ 04R/22L
Active: 22L
|
8,001 ft | 150 ft | CON | 34° |
↑ 3.2 kt
•
↔ 3.8 kt
50° angle
|
Weather Statistics - KSSC
7,819 observations | Sep 2025 - Jun 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Shaw Air Force Base typically experiences VFR conditions 74.4% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 13.5% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the NE averaging 7.3 knots. Calm conditions occur 19.6% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -8°C to 36°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are April, November, June.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 7,819 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jun 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Shaw Air Force Base - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
About Shaw Air Force Base
Shaw 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
Shaw Air Force Base serves as a critical military aviation facility located in Sumter, South Carolina. As a medium airport situated at 241 feet above mean sea level, it supports USAF operations with two substantial concrete runways. The base's strategic location in the southeastern United States provides significant operational capabilities for military aviation.
Flying Conditions
Pilots can expect predominantly VFR conditions, with 75% of observed weather patterns supporting visual flight rules. Temperature variations are substantial, ranging from -8°C to 36°C, with an average of 14.2°C. Wind patterns are predominantly from the northeast at 45 degrees, with an average speed of 7.1 knots and occasional peaks up to 28 knots, with calm conditions occurring 21% of the time.
Notable Features
The airport features two parallel runways: 04L/22R at 10,016 feet and 04R/22L at 8,001 feet, both constructed of concrete. Both runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, with an average crosswind of just 3.2 knots. Visibility is generally excellent, averaging 9.5 statute miles, with only 1.3% of observations showing visibility below 3 miles.
Approach Considerations
October, November, and January represent the most favorable months for VFR operations, offering consistently stable flying conditions. The runways' parallel configuration and consistent wind patterns provide flexible approach options. Pilots should be prepared for occasional reduced visibility, with fog present in 2.5% of observations and potential for MVFR or IFR conditions in approximately 24.9% of weather reports.
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 KSSC
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.