Military Airport
RestrictedThis is a U.S. military installation. Civil aircraft operations are generally prohibited without prior authorization.
Access Notes:
Most military airfields closed to civil traffic; some joint-use exceptions exist
Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
IFRPatuxent River Naval Air Station (Trapnell Field) is currently reporting instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions with broken clouds at 4,600 feet and 2.328 km visibility. Note: This observation is 1.5 hours old and conditions may have changed.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the west-northwest (300°) at 12 knots with gusts to 23 knots. Runway 32 is favored with a 11-knot headwind and 4-knot crosswind component (gusting to 8 knots crosswind).
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is reduced to 2.328 km. IFR conditions prevail and an instrument clearance is required for operations in controlled airspace. The ceiling is 4600 feet AGL (broken), well above standard VFR minimums.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 26°C (79°F) with a dewpoint of 19°C, indicating moderate moisture conditions.
Forecast Outlook
The TAF forecast covers the next 24 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: Heavy Thunderstorm Rain. Winds are forecast to reach up to 30 knots during the period. Expect variable wind speeds ranging from 6 to 30 knots. Temporary LIFR conditions are forecast with Heavy Thunderstorm Rain between 23:00Z and 04:00Z.
Pilot Recommendations
An instrument rating and IFR flight plan are required. Verify that destination and alternate approach minimums are above current and forecast conditions. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/20 | 5,021 ft | 75 ft | ASP | 8° |
↑ 4.5 kt
•
↔ 11.1 kt
68° angle
|
| 06/24 | 11,807 ft | 200 ft | PEM | 49° |
↓ 3.9 kt
•
↔ 11.3 kt
109° angle
|
|
✈️ 14/32
Active: 32
|
9,742 ft | 200 ft | PEM | 126° |
↑ 11.3 kt
•
↔ 4.1 kt
20° angle
|
Weather Statistics - KNHK
11,720 observations | Sep 2025 - Jul 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Patuxent River Naval Air Station (Trapnell Field) typically experiences VFR conditions 75.5% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 12.8% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the NW averaging 9.1 knots, with gusts recorded up to 34 knots. Temperature extremes range from -10°C to 37°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are July, June, April.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 11,720 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jul 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Patuxent River Naval Air Station (Trapnell Field) - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
About Patuxent River Naval Air Station (Trapnell Field)
Patuxent River Naval Air Station (Trapnell Field) is a military facility. Civilian access may be restricted or require Prior Permission (PPR). Pilots should consult the US AIP for current access procedures and restrictions.
Overview
Patuxent River Naval Air Station (Trapnell Field) serves as a critical naval aviation research and development facility located in southern Maryland. The airport supports military flight operations and aerospace testing, situated near the Chesapeake Bay at a low elevation of 39 feet MSL. Its strategic location and substantial runway infrastructure make it a key naval aviation center.
Flying Conditions
Weather conditions at KNHK are predominantly VFR, with 75% of observations showing clear flying conditions. Temperature ranges from -8°C to 29°C, providing relatively moderate operational environments throughout the year. Wind patterns are consistently westerly at an average of 8.8 knots, with occasional gusts up to 32 knots, and calm conditions occurring 9.7% of the time.
Notable Features
The airfield features three substantial runways, with the longest being Runway 06/24 at 11,807 feet of paved surface. All runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, indicating excellent wind compatibility for most aircraft operations. The airport's coastal Maryland location suggests potential for rapid weather transitions typical of maritime environments.
Approach Considerations
Pilots can expect consistent crosswind conditions averaging 5.3-5.9 knots across runways. October, November, and January statistically offer the most favorable VFR conditions for arrivals and departures. With an average visibility of 9.2 statute miles and minimal fog occurrence (0.9%), approaches are generally straightforward, though standard naval air station procedures should be anticipated.
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 KNHK
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.