Miramar Marine Corps Air Station - Mitscher Field

KNKX / NKX

San Diego, US

Last Updated
Jul 4, 10:55Z

Military Airport

Restricted

This 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

Consult official AIP (FAA AIP GEN 3.3) for current access procedures and restrictions.

Current Weather

Display Units
Recent 39 min ago
10:55Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
16°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 15°C
4 kt
60°
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1015 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KNKX 041055Z AUTO 06004KT 10SM CLR 16/15 A2998 RMK AO2 SLP147 T01610150 $

Weather Briefing

VFR

Miramar Marine Corps Air Station - Mitscher Field is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies and 10 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the east-northeast (60°) at 4 knots.

Visibility & Ceiling

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

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 16°C (61°F) with a dewpoint of 15°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 28 hours. Conditions are expected to fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions.

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. 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.

QNH
1015 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
999 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (477 ft)
Pressure Alt
425 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 659 ft
ISA Deviation: +2.0°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KNKX 040800Z 0408/0512 VRB03KT 9999 BKN010 QNH3002INS FM041000 VRB04KT 9999 OVC012 QNH3004INS FM041530 VRB06KT 9999 SKC QNH3008INS FM041830 29010KT 9999 SKC QNH2997INS FM050600 VRB03KT 9999 BKN010 QNH3000INS TX25/0422Z TN17/0413Z
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
11:33Z BASE
+0h
MVFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 1,000 ft
15:00Z FM041530
+4h
VFR VRB 6 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
18:00Z FM041830
+7h
VFR 290° 10 kt
Visibility: 10+ km

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
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
Chart Features
  • • Hover for exact values and timestamps
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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
NKX
06L ✈️
24R
06R ✈️
24L
10 ✈️
28

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 06L/24R
Active: 06L
12,000 ft 200 ft CON 75°
4.0 kt 0.0 kt
0° angle
✈️ 06R/24L
Active: 06R
8,000 ft 200 ft PEM 75°
4.0 kt 0.0 kt
0° angle
✈️ 10/28
Active: 10
2,800 ft 200 ft CON 110°
3.1 kt 2.6 kt
40° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KNKX

12,822 observations | Sep 2025 - Jul 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
68.7%
MVFR
19.6%
IFR
6.7%
LIFR
4.9%

Miramar Marine Corps Air Station - Mitscher Field typically experiences VFR conditions 68.7% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 11.6% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the W averaging 5.9 knots, with gusts recorded up to 85 knots. Calm conditions occur 17.4% of the time. Temperature extremes range from 2°C to 34°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are April, March, February.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: W (270°)
Average Speed: 5.9 kt
Maximum Recorded: 85 kt
Calm Winds: 17.4%
Direction Distribution:
E
8.7%
N
4.3%
S
7.4%
W
23.9%
NE
14.8%
NW
10.5%
SE
5%
SW
8.2%

Temperature Range

Average: 16.1°C
Range: 2°C to 34°C
2°C 34°C

Visibility

Average: 9.7 SM
Below 3 SM: 2.1%
Fog Frequency: 3.3%

Best Months for VFR

April March February

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 10/28
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3 kt
Runway 06L/24R
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.1 kt
Runway 06R/24L
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.1 kt

Statistics computed from 12,822 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jul 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Miramar Marine Corps Air Station - Mitscher Field - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KNKX
IATA Code: NKX
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 477 ft MSL

Location

City: San Diego
Country: US
Latitude: 32.868401°
Longitude: -117.142998°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+8

Runway Information

Runway 06L/24R
Length: 12,000 ft
Width: 200 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No
Runway 06R/24L
Length: 8,000 ft
Width: 200 ft
Surface: PEM
ILS: No
Runway 10/28
Length: 2,800 ft
Width: 200 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No

About Miramar Marine Corps Air Station - Mitscher Field

Miramar Marine Corps Air Station - Mitscher 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

Miramar Marine Corps Air Station - Mitscher Field serves as a critical military aviation facility located in San Diego, California. Situated at 477 ft MSL, the airport supports Marine Corps aviation operations with three runways, including a substantial 12,000 ft concrete runway capable of accommodating large aircraft. The station plays a key role in Marine Corps training and operational readiness on the West Coast.

Flying Conditions

Pilots can expect predominantly favorable visual flight conditions, with 67.8% of observations reporting VFR weather. The airport experiences consistent northeast winds averaging 5.6 knots, with occasional stronger gusts up to 24 knots. Temperature ranges from 2°C to 32°C, with October through December offering the most stable VFR conditions, characterized by high visibility averaging 10.4 statute miles.

Notable Features

Located near San Diego, Miramar is positioned in a coastal environment with relatively mild weather patterns. All three runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, minimizing crosswind challenges for pilots. The airport's elevation and geographical position contribute to generally stable atmospheric conditions, with only 7.8% of observations reporting instrument flight conditions.

Approach Considerations

The primary 12,000 ft runway (06L/24R) provides ample landing surface with minimal crosswind interference. Average crosswind components remain low at approximately 3.2 knots across runways, offering consistent approach opportunities. Pilots should be prepared for occasional reduced visibility, with 6.4% of observations reporting fog and 3.3% showing visibility below 3 statute miles.

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.