Columbus Municipal Airport

KOLU / OLU

Columbus, US

Last Updated
May 15, 10:56Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Recent 50 min ago
10:56Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
11°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 8°C
7 kt
50°
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1006 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KOLU 151056Z AUTO 05007KT 10SM CLR 11/08 A2970 RMK AO2 SLP054 T01110083

Weather Briefing

VFR

Columbus Municipal Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies and 10 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the northeast (50°) at 7 knots. Runway 02/20 is favored with a 6-knot headwind and 4-knot crosswind component.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 10 SM. Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 11°C (52°F) with a dewpoint of 8°C. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread suggests high humidity and potential for visibility restrictions, especially during cooling periods.

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.

QNH
1006 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
958 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (1,447 ft)
Pressure Alt
1,665 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 1,532 ft
ISA Deviation: -1.1°C

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
OLU
02 ✈️
20
14
32

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 02/20
Active: 02
4,135 ft 150 ft GRS 29°
6.1 kt 3.5 kt
30° angle
14/32 6,800 ft 100 ft CON 150°
1.2 kt 6.9 kt
100° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KOLU

6,704 observations | Sep 2025 - May 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
74.1%
MVFR
14.4%
IFR
6.6%
LIFR
4.8%

Columbus Municipal Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 74.1% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 11.4% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the NW averaging 9.3 knots, with gusts recorded up to 37 knots. Calm conditions occur 12.4% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -22°C to 36°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are May, September, February.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: NW (315°)
Average Speed: 9.3 kt
Maximum Recorded: 37 kt
Calm Winds: 12.4%
Direction Distribution:
N
12.6%
NE
7.1%
E
11.2%
SE
8.4%
S
14.6%
SW
7.5%
W
10.2%
NW
16%

Temperature Range

Average: 5.7°C
Range: -22°C to 36°C
-22°C 36°C

Visibility

Average: 9.4 SM
Below 3 SM: 2.2%
Fog Frequency: 2%

Best Months for VFR

May September February

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 02/20
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.9 kt
Runway 14/32
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.9 kt

Statistics computed from 6,704 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - May 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Columbus Municipal Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KOLU
IATA Code: OLU
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 1,447 ft MSL

Location

City: Columbus
Country: US
Latitude: 41.448145°
Longitude: -97.340174°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+6

Runway Information

Runway 02/20
Length: 4,135 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: GRS
ILS: No
Runway 14/32
Length: 6,800 ft
Width: 100 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No

About Columbus Municipal Airport

Overview

Columbus Municipal Airport serves the transportation needs of Columbus, Nebraska, located in the northeastern part of the state. As a medium-sized airport with two runways, it provides critical aviation infrastructure for the region, supporting general aviation, potential commercial, and local aircraft operations. The airport sits at an elevation of 1,447 feet above mean sea level.

Flying Conditions

The airport experiences predominantly Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions, with 73.2% of observations showing clear weather. Wind patterns are consistently from the south at an average of 8.8 knots, with occasional gusts up to 37 knots. Temperature variations are significant, ranging from -22°C to 34°C, which pilots should consider for performance planning. September, October, and January offer the most consistent VFR flying conditions.

Notable Features

Both runways at Columbus Municipal demonstrate favorable wind alignment, with 100% wind compatibility. Runway 02/20 is a grass surface measuring 4,135 feet, while Runway 14/32 is a concrete surface extending 6,800 feet. The concrete runway provides a more substantial all-weather option for aircraft operations. Average crosswind components are relatively moderate, with 5.8 knots for Runway 02/20 and 4.5 knots for Runway 14/32.

Approach Considerations

Pilots should anticipate predominantly southern wind conditions when planning approaches. Visibility averages 9.3 statute miles, with only 2.7% of observations showing visibility below 3 miles. Fog is present in approximately 2.5% of observations, which is relatively infrequent. The concrete Runway 14/32 offers the longest and most robust surface for most aircraft types, providing flexibility in approach and landing strategies.

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.