Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
VFRSydney / J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with few clouds at 9,000 feet and 15 SM visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the west-northwest (300°) at 9 knots. Runway 24 is favored with a 5-knot headwind and 8-knot crosswind component.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is 15 SM. No ceiling exists. Cloud layers reported: few at 9,000 ft.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 16°C (61°F) with a dewpoint of 16°C. The temperature-dewpoint spread is very narrow, indicating saturated or near-saturated air. Fog formation or low cloud development is likely.
Forecast Outlook
The TAF forecast covers the next 10 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 Drizzle, Fog, Mist, FCST. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Mist between 10:00Z and 12:00Z.
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.
Forecast (TAF)
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Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/24 | 7,070 ft | 200 ft | ASP | 46° |
↓ 2.5 kt
•
↔ 8.7 kt
106° angle
|
|
✈️ 18/36
Active: 36
|
5,997 ft | 150 ft | ASP | 164° |
↑ 4.5 kt
•
↔ 7.8 kt
60° angle
|
Weather Statistics - CYQY
8,883 observations | Sep 2025 - Jul 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Sydney / J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport is frequently affected by reduced visibility conditions, with VFR weather only 49.9% of the time and IFR/LIFR conditions occurring in 29.4% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the W averaging 11.4 knots, with gusts recorded up to 37 knots. Temperature extremes range from -17°C to 27°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. Low visibility conditions (below 3 SM) occur in 8.4% of weather observations. The best months for VFR flying are July, September, October.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 8,883 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jul 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Sydney / J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
About Sydney / J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport
Overview
Sydney / J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport serves Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada, offering a medium-sized airport facility for regional and general aviation operations. Located at an elevation of 203 feet MSL, the airport provides critical aviation infrastructure for the Sydney metropolitan area and surrounding regions. Its two asphalt runways support diverse aircraft operations in a maritime environment.
Flying Conditions
Weather conditions at CYQY demonstrate significant variability, with visual flight rules (VFR) conditions prevailing 53.3% of the time. Pilots can expect westerly winds averaging 11.4 knots, with occasional strong gusts up to 37 knots. The temperature range spans from -13°C to 27°C, creating potential for significant seasonal weather transitions that require careful preflight planning and awareness.
Notable Features
The airport features two perpendicular runways: 06/24 at 7,070 feet and 18/36 at 5,997 feet, both constructed with asphalt surfaces. Both runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, with modest average crosswind components of 6.8 and 7.6 knots respectively. The coastal location suggests potential for maritime weather influences and rapid visibility changes.
Approach Considerations
September through November represent the most consistent VFR months for operations at CYQY. Visibility averages 12.2 statute miles, though pilots should be prepared for occasional reduced conditions, with 5.7% of observations showing visibility below 3 statute miles. Fog occurs in 1.9% of observations, requiring heightened situational awareness during approach and landing phases.
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 CYQY
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.