Southdowns Airport

FLSO / KIW

Kitwe, ZM

Last Updated
May 14, 13:00Z

No METAR Available for FLSO

Showing weather from nearby airport with METAR data.

Currently using: FLSK
Weather Source: Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (FLSK)
Distance: 22nm / 40km from FLSO

Current Weather

Display Units
Stale 12 hours ago
13:00Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
29°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 9°C
6 kt
120°
--
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR FLSK 141300Z 12006KT CAVOK 29/09 Q1018

Weather Briefing

VFR

Southdowns Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies. Note: This observation is 12.1 hours old and conditions may have changed.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the east-southeast (120°) at 6 knots. Runway 11/29 is favored with a 6-knot headwind and 1-knot crosswind component.

Visibility & Ceiling

Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 29°C (84°F) with a dewpoint of 9°C, indicating very dry conditions. High temperatures at this elevation may result in significant density altitude effects. Pilots should calculate density altitude and adjust performance expectations accordingly.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 30 hours. Conditions are expected to remain VFR throughout the forecast period.

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.

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF FLSK 142200Z 1500/1606 14005KT CAVOK BECMG 1503/1505 09010KT BECMG 1508/1510 SCT040 BECMG 1516/1518 14005KT CAVOK
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
01:04Z BASE
+0h
VFR 140° 5 kt
Visibility: >10km
03:00Z BECMG
+2h
VFR 90° 10 kt
08:00Z BECMG
+7h
VFR

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
LSO
11 ✈️
29

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 11/29
Active: 11
6,562 ft 100 ft ASP 105°
5.9 kt 1.0 kt
10° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Southdowns Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: FLSO
IATA Code: KIW
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 4,145 ft MSL

Location

City: Kitwe
Country: ZM
Latitude: -12.900500°
Longitude: 28.149900°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-2

Runway Information

Runway 11/29
Length: 6,562 ft
Width: 100 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Southdowns Airport

Overview

Southdowns Airport serves the Kitwe area in Zambia as a medium-sized airport situated at an elevation of 4,145 feet above mean sea level. Located at coordinates -12.900500, 28.149900, the airport provides critical aviation infrastructure for the region's transportation and economic connectivity.

Flying Conditions

The airport's elevation of 4,145 feet means pilots should anticipate potential performance considerations related to higher altitude operations. Terrain and elevation will impact aircraft performance, particularly during takeoff and landing, requiring careful weight and balance calculations.

Notable Features

The primary runway (11/29) is 6,562 feet long and constructed of asphalt, providing a substantial surface for medium-sized aircraft operations. The airport's geographic position in Kitwe suggests potential interactions with local terrain and potential wind variations typical of the Zambian landscape.

Approach Considerations

Runway 11/29 offers a straight-in approach with 6,562 feet of asphalt surface, allowing flexibility for various aircraft types. Pilots should conduct standard terrain and wind assessments, paying particular attention to the airport's significant elevation when planning approach and landing procedures.

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.