Military Airport
RestrictedThis is a military aerodrome. Civil aircraft access may be restricted or require prior authorization. Consult the applicable AIP for current access procedures.
Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
IFRSanta Cruz Air Force Base is currently reporting instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions with overcast skies at 1,500 feet and 9 km visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the south (180°) at 4 knots.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is 9 km. The ceiling is 500 feet AGL (broken). Only precision approaches may be usable depending on minimums.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 20°C (68°F) with a dewpoint of 19°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 12 hours. IFR conditions are expected to persist or develop. An instrument rating and IFR flight plan are recommended. Expected weather includes: Light Rain, Mist, Light Thunderstorm Rain, Mist, Mist. There is a 30% probability of LIFR conditions with Light Thunderstorm Rain, Mist between 20:00Z and 00:00Z. There is a 30% probability of MVFR conditions with Mist between 02:00Z and 06:00Z.
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 narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✈️ 5/23
Active: 23
|
8,986 ft | 148 ft | ASP | 0° |
↑ 2.6 kt
•
↔ 3.1 kt
50° angle
|
Weather Statistics - SBSC
6,742 observations | Sep 2025 - Jul 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Santa Cruz Air Force Base typically experiences VFR conditions 70.1% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 5.1% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the N averaging 6 knots. Temperatures typically range between 13°C and 39°C with an average of 24.1°C. The best months for VFR flying are July, September, December.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Statistics computed from 6,742 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jul 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Santa Cruz Air Force Base - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
About Santa Cruz Air Force Base
Santa Cruz Air Force Base is a military facility. Civilian access may be restricted or require Prior Permission (PPR). Pilots should consult the BR AIP for current access procedures and restrictions.
Overview
Santa Cruz Air Force Base (SBSC) is a medium-sized airport located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, serving military and potentially civilian aviation operations. Situated at a low elevation of 10 feet mean sea level, the airport provides strategic air access in the southeastern coastal region of Brazil.
Flying Conditions
Pilots can expect predominantly favorable visual flight conditions, with 75.7% of observations reporting VFR weather. The airport experiences consistent southerly winds averaging 6.8 knots, with occasional gusts up to 23 knots. Temperature ranges from 14°C to 39°C, with an average of 24.2°C, suggesting potential thermal variations during flight operations.
Notable Features
The airport features a single runway (5/23) with a substantial length of 8,986 feet, constructed with asphalt surface. Its coastal location near Rio de Janeiro implies potential maritime weather influences, though the data indicates minimal fog and consistent visibility averaging 10 statute miles.
Approach Considerations
Given the prevailing southerly winds, runway 23 may offer more favorable landing conditions with wind alignment. The consistently high percentage of VFR conditions (75.7%) suggests reliable visual approach opportunities, particularly during the peak VFR months of September, December, and January.
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 SBSC
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.