Military Airport
PPR AvailableThis is a Royal Air Force or Ministry of Defence aerodrome. Civil access may be available with Prior Permission Required (PPR).
Access Notes:
Many RAF stations accept civil PPR; consult UK AIP AD 2 for specific procedures
Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
VFRRAF Cranwell is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with broken clouds at 11,000 feet and 10 miles or greater visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the west-northwest (290°) at 8 knots. Runway 26 is favored with a 7-knot headwind and 4-knot crosswind component.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is unrestricted. The ceiling is 11000 feet AGL (broken), well above standard VFR minimums.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 6°C (43°F) with a dewpoint of 4°C. The temperature-dewpoint spread is very narrow, indicating saturated or near-saturated air. Fog formation or low cloud development is likely.
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.
24-Hour Weather Evolution
- • 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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Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/19 | 4,803 ft | 147 ft | ASP | 8° |
↑ 1.7 kt
•
↔ 7.8 kt
78° angle
|
| 08/26 | 6,831 ft | 147 ft | ASP | 83° |
↓ 7.1 kt
•
↔ 3.6 kt
153° angle
|
|
✈️ 08R/26L
Active: 26L
|
2,354 ft | 131 ft | GRS | 89° |
↑ 6.9 kt
•
↔ 4.0 kt
30° angle
|
Weather Statistics - EGYD
11,316 observations | Sep 2025 - May 2026Flight Rules Distribution
RAF Cranwell typically experiences VFR conditions 60.6% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 22.9% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 11.2 knots, with gusts recorded up to 39 knots. Temperature extremes range from -7°C to 25°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are September, April, May.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 11,316 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - May 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
RAF Cranwell - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
About RAF Cranwell
RAF Cranwell is a military facility. Civilian access may be restricted or require Prior Permission (PPR). Pilots should consult the GB AIP for current access procedures and restrictions.
Overview
RAF Cranwell is a military airfield located in Lincolnshire, serving as a key training facility for the Royal Air Force. Situated at an elevation of 218 ft MSL near Sleaford, the airport supports various aviation operations with three distinct runways providing operational flexibility.
Flying Conditions
Pilots can expect predominantly VFR conditions 61.8% of the time, with marginal VFR and IFR conditions occurring less frequently. The prevailing southerly winds at an average of 11.4 knots create consistent wind patterns, with temperatures ranging from -7°C to 23°C and excellent average visibility of 10 statute miles.
Notable Features
The airport features three runways: two asphalt (01/19 at 4,803 ft and 08/26 at 6,831 ft) and one grass runway (08R/26L at 2,354 ft). The multiple runway configurations provide operational versatility, with all runways demonstrating 100% favorable wind alignment and relatively low average crosswind conditions around 7 knots.
Approach Considerations
September through November offer the most favorable VFR flying conditions at RAF Cranwell. Pilots should anticipate southerly winds and be prepared for potential wind variations, with maximum recorded wind speeds reaching 37 knots. The substantial runway lengths and multiple surface types provide options for different aircraft types and meteorological conditions.
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 EGYD
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.