Pietermaritzburg Airport

FAPM / PZB

Pietermaritzburg, ZA

Last Updated
Apr 23, 05:00Z

No METAR Available for FAPM

Showing weather from nearby airport with METAR data.

Currently using: FALE
Weather Source: King Shaka International Airport (FALE)
Distance: 38nm / 70km from FAPM

Current Weather

Display Units
Recent 45 min ago
05:00Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
16°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 13°C
10 kt
200°
10+ km
Visibility
4,000 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
1030 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR FALE 230500Z 20010KT 9999 FEW017 OVC040 16/13 Q1030 NOSIG

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 2,423 ft
FEW 1,700 ft AGL
OVC 4,000 ft AGL
🌤️
FEW
Few (1/8-2/8 sky coverage)
1,700 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
4,123 ft AMSL
☁️
OVC
Overcast (8/8 sky coverage)
4,000 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
6,423 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

VFR

Pietermaritzburg Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with overcast skies at 4,000 feet and 10 miles or greater visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the south-southwest (200°) at 10 knots. Runway 16/34 is favored with a 8-knot headwind and 6-knot crosswind component.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is unrestricted. The ceiling is 4000 feet AGL (overcast), well above standard VFR minimums.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 16°C (61°F) with a dewpoint of 13°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. 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: Light Rain. There is a 30% probability of IFR conditions with Light Rain between 00:00Z and 06:00Z.

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. 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.

QNH
1030 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
949 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (2,423 ft)
Pressure Alt
1,921 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 2,623 ft
ISA Deviation: +5.8°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF FALE 222200Z 2300/2406 19010KT 9999 OVC040 TX20/2313Z TN16/2303Z PROB30 TEMPO 2300/2306 4000 -RA BKN008 OVC015 BECMG 2306/2308 20007KT 9999 BKN040 BECMG 2314/2315 VRB03KT
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
05:44Z BASE
+0h
VFR 190° 10 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 4,000 ft
06:00Z BECMG
+1h
VFR 200° 7 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 4,000 ft
14:00Z BECMG
+9h
VFR VRB 3 kt

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
APM
16 ✈️
34

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 16/34
Active: 16
5,043 ft 98 ft ASP 142°
7.7 kt 6.4 kt
40° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Pietermaritzburg Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: FAPM
IATA Code: PZB
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 2,423 ft MSL

Location

City: Pietermaritzburg
Country: ZA
Latitude: -29.649000°
Longitude: 30.398701°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-2

Runway Information

Runway 16/34
Length: 5,043 ft
Width: 98 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Pietermaritzburg Airport

Overview

Pietermaritzburg Airport serves the urban and regional transportation needs of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands region in South Africa. Located at an elevation of 2423 feet mean sea level, the airport provides critical infrastructure for general aviation, regional connections, and potential commercial operations. Its geographic positioning near Pietermaritzburg offers strategic access to the surrounding metropolitan and rural areas.

Flying Conditions

The airport's elevated position at 2423 ft MSL suggests potential for variable atmospheric conditions typical of inland South African terrain. Pilots should anticipate temperature and density altitude variations that can impact aircraft performance, particularly during warmer months. The single runway's orientation of 16/34 provides some wind flexibility for operations.

Notable Features

The airport features a 5043-foot asphalted runway (16/34), which supports medium-sized aircraft operations. Its coordinate location at -29.649000, 30.398701 places it in a region with potentially complex terrain and meteorological interactions between coastal and inland atmospheric systems. The runway length and surface type indicate suitability for general aviation and smaller commercial aircraft.

Approach Considerations

Runway 16/34's substantial length of 5043 feet allows for relatively flexible approach options, with potential preferences based on prevailing wind conditions. Pilots should conduct thorough pre-flight planning to understand current wind patterns and their potential impact on landing and takeoff performance. Standard instrument approach procedures and local meteorological briefing are recommended for safe operations.

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.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

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.