Red Deer Regional Airport

CYQF / YQF

Springbrook, CA

Last Updated
May 14, 15:42Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 8 min ago
15:42Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
14°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 0°C
34 kt
310° G46 kt
9 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1000 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

SPECI CYQF 141542Z AUTO 31034G46KT 9SM CLR 14/00 A2953 RMK SLP010 DENSITY ALT 4000FT

Weather Briefing

VFR

Red Deer Regional Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies and 9 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the northwest (310°) at 34 knots with gusts to 46 knots. Runway 30 is favored with a 33-knot headwind and 6-knot crosswind component (gusting to 8 knots crosswind). These are strong winds that may exceed crosswind limits for light aircraft.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 9 SM. Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 14°C (57°F) with a dewpoint of 0°C, indicating relatively dry conditions.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 12 hours. Conditions are expected to remain VFR throughout the forecast period. Expected weather includes: FCST, FCST. Winds are forecast to reach up to 32 knots during the period. Expect variable wind speeds ranging from 20 to 32 knots. Temporary VFR conditions are forecast between 12:00Z and 14:00Z. Temporary VFR conditions are forecast between 16:00Z and 20:00Z. Temporary VFR conditions are forecast between 20:00Z and 00:00Z.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. Gusty conditions may exceed demonstrated crosswind components for many general aviation aircraft. Check your aircraft's limitations.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

QNH
1000 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
901 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (2,968 ft)
Pressure Alt
3,366 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 3,958 ft
ISA Deviation: +4.9°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF CYQF 141145Z 1412/1424 30025G35KT P6SM FEW040 OVC070 TEMPO 1412/1414 30030G40KT P6SM VCSH BKN040 FM141500 30032G45KT P6SM SCT060 TEMPO 1416/1420 BKN060 FM142000 30025G35KT P6SM SCT070 TEMPO 1420/1424 BKN070 BECMG 1423/1424 30020G30KT RMK FCST BASED ON AUTO OBS. NXT FCST BY 141800Z
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
15:49Z BASE
+0h
VFR 300° 25 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 7,000 ft
16:00Z TEMPO
+1h
VFR
Ceiling: 6,000 ft
20:00Z FM142000
+5h
VFR 300° 25 kt
Visibility: >6SM
20:00Z TEMPO
+5h
VFR
Ceiling: 7,000 ft

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
YQF
12
30 ✈️
17
35

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 12/30
Active: 30
3,449 ft 100 ft ASP 130°
33.5 kt 5.9 kt
10° angle
17/35 7,500 ft 98 ft ASP 180°
21.9 kt 26.0 kt
130° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - CYQF

8,971 observations | Sep 2025 - May 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
66.2%
MVFR
20.3%
IFR
10.1%
LIFR
3.4%

Red Deer Regional Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 66.2% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 13.5% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 8 knots, with gusts recorded up to 35 knots. Temperature extremes range from -34°C to 28°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. Low visibility conditions (below 3 SM) occur in 5.3% of weather observations. The best months for VFR flying are May, October, September.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: S (180°)
Average Speed: 8 kt
Maximum Recorded: 35 kt
Calm Winds: 4.1%
Direction Distribution:
N
18.1%
NE
7.9%
E
7.3%
SE
10.4%
S
23.5%
SW
9.4%
W
5.6%
NW
13.7%

Temperature Range

Average: -3.6°C
Range: -34°C to 28°C
-34°C 28°C

Visibility

Average: 7.8 SM
Below 3 SM: 5.3%
Fog Frequency: 2%

Best Months for VFR

May October September

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 12/30
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.1 kt
Runway 17/35
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.7 kt

Statistics computed from 8,971 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - May 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Red Deer Regional Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: CYQF
IATA Code: YQF
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 2,968 ft MSL

Location

City: Springbrook
Country: CA
Latitude: 52.182201°
Longitude: -113.893997°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+8

Runway Information

Runway 12/30
Length: 3,449 ft
Width: 100 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 17/35
Length: 7,500 ft
Width: 98 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Red Deer Regional Airport

Overview

Red Deer Regional Airport serves central Alberta as a medium-sized airport located near Springbrook, strategically positioned between Calgary and Edmonton. The airport supports regional aviation with two paved runways capable of handling a variety of aircraft operations. Its elevation of 2,968 feet MSL places it in a terrain that requires careful altitude management during approach and departure.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Red Deer demonstrate significant variability, with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) predominating at 69.6% of observations. Pilots can expect challenging conditions during winter months, with temperatures ranging from -31°C to 28°C and an average of -3.7°C. The prevailing southerly winds at an average of 7.5 knots create generally stable approach conditions, with maximum wind speeds reaching 35 knots.

Notable Features

The airport features two asphalt runways: 12/30 measuring 3,449 feet and 17/35 extending 7,500 feet. Both runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, with minimal average crosswind components of 4.7 and 3.4 knots respectively. Visibility averages 7.8 statute miles, though pilots should be prepared for reduced visibility, with 4.3% of observations showing less than 3 statute miles.

Approach Considerations

September through November represent the most consistent VFR flying months, offering optimal approach conditions. Both runways provide reliable wind alignment, making runway selection straightforward based on current wind conditions. Pilots should be prepared for potential low visibility scenarios, with fog present in 2% of observations and occasional Marginal VFR (18.8%) or Instrument Flight Rules (8%) conditions.

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.