Alpnach Air Base

LSMA

Alpnach, CH

Last Updated
Apr 22, 17:50Z

Military Airport

Restricted

This is a military aerodrome. Civil aircraft access may be restricted or require prior authorization. Consult the applicable AIP for current access procedures.

Consult the applicable national AIP for current access procedures and restrictions.

Current Weather

Display Units
Recent 54 min ago
17:50Z

🌇 Dusk
VFR
Flight Rules
15°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 0°C
9 kt
20°
--
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1020 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR LSMA 221750Z AUTO 02009KT 330V060 9999NDV NCD 15/M00 Q1020 RMK

Weather Briefing

VFR

Alpnach Air Base is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the north-northeast (20°) at 9 knots. Runway 01/19 is favored with a 9-knot headwind and 2-knot crosswind component.

Visibility & Ceiling

Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 15°C (59°F) with a dewpoint of 0°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. Temporary VFR conditions are forecast between 09:00Z and 15:00Z.

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.

QNH
1020 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
971 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (1,460 ft)
Pressure Alt
1,258 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 1,608 ft
ISA Deviation: +2.9°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF LSMA 221625Z 2217/2323 03010KT CAVOK BECMG 2221/2301 VRB02KT BECMG 2307/2310 05010KT TEMPO 2309/2315 9999 FEW040 BECMG 2318/2321 VRB02KT
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
18:43Z BASE
+0h
VFR 30° 10 kt
Visibility: >10km
21:00Z BECMG
+3h
VFR VRB 2 kt

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
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
Chart Features
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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
SMA
01 ✈️
19

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 01/19
Active: 01
6,135 ft 131 ft ASP 11°
8.9 kt 1.6 kt
10° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - LSMA

9,720 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
74.8%
MVFR
15.6%
IFR
4%
LIFR
5.6%

Alpnach Air Base typically experiences VFR conditions 74.8% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 9.6% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 4.9 knots. Calm conditions occur 20.7% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -13°C to 27°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. Fog is a notable factor, occurring in approximately 23.4% of observations, with visibility below 3 SM in 0% of reports. The best months for VFR flying are March, April, September.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: S (180°)
Average Speed: 4.9 kt
Maximum Recorded: 23 kt
Calm Winds: 20.7%
Direction Distribution:
N
3.9%
NE
18.5%
E
9.1%
SE
0.6%
S
26.4%
SW
16.3%
W
4.2%
NW
0.2%

Temperature Range

Average: 5.8°C
Range: -13°C to 27°C
-13°C 27°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 23.4%

Best Months for VFR

March April September

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 01/19
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 2.5 kt

Statistics computed from 9,720 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Alpnach Air Base - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: LSMA
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 1,460 ft MSL

Location

City: Alpnach
Country: CH
Latitude: 46.943901°
Longitude: 8.284170°
Time Zone: Europe/Brussels

Runway Information

Runway 01/19
Length: 6,135 ft
Width: 131 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Alpnach Air Base

Alpnach Air Base is a military facility. Civilian access may be restricted or require Prior Permission (PPR). Pilots should consult the CH AIP for current access procedures and restrictions.

Overview

Alpnach Air Base (LSMA) is a medium-sized airport located in central Switzerland at an elevation of 1,460 feet MSL. Situated near the coordinates 46.943901, 8.284170, the airport serves an important regional role with its single runway 01/19, which spans 6,135 feet and is constructed of asphalt.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Alpnach demonstrate significant variability, with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) prevailing 69.7% of the time. The airport experiences moderate temperature ranges from -13°C to 27°C, with an average temperature of 5.6°C. Notably, fog occurs in 29.6% of observations, and September through November offer the most consistently favorable VFR conditions.

Notable Features

The airport's wind patterns are characterized by a southerly prevailing wind at 180 degrees, with an average speed of 4.6 knots and maximum gusts up to 23 knots. Calm wind conditions are present 22.7% of the time, which provides relatively stable approach conditions for pilots navigating the region's terrain.

Approach Considerations

Runway 01/19 demonstrates highly favorable wind alignment, with 100% wind compatibility and an average crosswind of just 2.2 knots. Visibility averages 10 statute miles, with extremely rare instances of visibility below 3 miles, suggesting generally clear approach conditions for most 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.