Ladysmith Airport

FALY / LAY

Ladysmith, ZA

Last Updated
Jun 18, 05:00Z

No METAR Available for FALY

Showing weather from nearby airport with METAR data.

Currently using: FAPM
Weather Source: Pietermaritzburg Airport (FAPM)
Distance: 73nm / 134km from FALY

Current Weather

Display Units
Stale 401 hours ago
05:00Z

🌙 Night
LIFR
Flight Rules
10°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 9°C
2 kt
Variable
0.9 km
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR FAPM 180500Z VRB02KT 0900 FG NSC 10/09 Q1025

Weather Briefing

LIFR

Ladysmith Airport is currently reporting low IFR (LIFR) conditions with clear skies and 0.9 km visibility. Note: This observation is 401.4 hours old and conditions may have changed.

Wind Analysis

Winds are calm, presenting no crosswind concerns for any runway.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is severely reduced to 0.9 km, likely due to fog, mist, or precipitation. Special VFR or an IFR clearance may be required. Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 10°C (50°F) with a dewpoint of 9°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 11 hours. Conditions are expected to remain VFR throughout the forecast period.

Pilot Recommendations

Current conditions require an instrument rating, IFR-equipped aircraft, and an IFR clearance. Check approach minimums carefully as conditions may be below CAT I ILS minimums. 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)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF FAPM 041800Z 0419/0506 VRB02KT CAVOK TX10/0419Z TN03/0504Z
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
22:23Z BASE
+0h
VFR VRB 2 kt
Visibility: >10km

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
ALY
11
29

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
11/29 3,937 ft 49 ft ASP 90° No wind data
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Ladysmith Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: FALY
IATA Code: LAY
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 3,548 ft MSL

Location

City: Ladysmith
Country: ZA
Latitude: -28.581699°
Longitude: 29.749701°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-2

Runway Information

Runway 11/29
Length: 3,937 ft
Width: 49 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Ladysmith Airport

Overview

Ladysmith Airport serves the KwaZulu-Natal region in South Africa, positioned at an elevation of 3,548 feet above mean sea level. The airport provides infrastructure for regional aviation operations, located near the town of Ladysmith at coordinates -28.581699, 29.749701.

Flying Conditions

The airport's high-altitude location at 3,548 ft MSL can present performance considerations for aircraft, particularly during warmer temperatures. Pilots should anticipate potential density altitude effects that could impact aircraft climb performance and takeoff distances.

Notable Features

The airport features a single runway (11/29) with an asphalted surface measuring 3,937 feet in length. Its geographical positioning in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands suggests potential terrain variations and localized wind patterns that could influence flight operations.

Approach Considerations

Runway 11/29 provides directional flexibility for arrivals and departures based on prevailing wind conditions. Pilots should conduct standard terrain and wind assessments during preflight planning, considering the airport's elevated terrain and potential meteorological variability.

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.