Shaw Air Force Base

KSSC / SSC

Sumter, US

Last Updated
Jul 4, 22:55Z

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 57 min ago
22:55Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
36°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 19°C
7 kt
170°
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1013 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KSSC 042255Z AUTO 17007KT 10SM CLR 36/19 A2990 RMK AO2 SLP124 T03610191 $

Weather Briefing

VFR

Shaw Air Force Base is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies and 10 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the south (170°) at 7 knots. Runway 22 is favored with a 4-knot headwind and 5-knot crosswind component.

Visibility & Ceiling

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

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 36°C (97°F) with a dewpoint of 19°C, indicating very dry conditions. High temperatures at this elevation may result in significant density altitude effects. Pilots should calculate density altitude and adjust performance expectations accordingly.

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.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. 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
1013 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1005 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (241 ft)
Pressure Alt
249 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 2,827 ft (High - Reduced Performance)
ISA Deviation: +21.5°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF AMD KSSC 042120Z 0421/0521 15009KT 9999 FEW060 SCT250 QNH2991INS BECMG 0511/0512 21006KT 9999 FEW120 FEW250 QNH2993INS BECMG 0517/0518 20009KT 9999 SCT120 BKN250 QNH2987INS BECMG 0520/0521 19010G15KT 9999 VCSH SCT050 BKN120 BKN250 QNH2985INS TX36/0421Z TN24/0510Z LAST NO AMDS AFT 0421 NEXT 0507
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
23:52Z BASE
+0h
VFR 150° 9 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
11:00Z BECMG
+12h
VFR 210° 6 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
  • • Click legend items to toggle data series
  • • Zoom and pan for detailed analysis
  • • Units automatically converted to preferences
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
SSC
04L
22R ✈️
04R
22L ✈️

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 04L/22R
Active: 22R
10,016 ft 150 ft CON 34°
4.5 kt 5.4 kt
50° angle
✈️ 04R/22L
Active: 22L
8,001 ft 150 ft CON 34°
4.5 kt 5.4 kt
50° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KSSC

8,560 observations | Sep 2025 - Jul 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
75.2%
MVFR
12%
IFR
7.7%
LIFR
5.2%

Shaw Air Force Base typically experiences VFR conditions 75.2% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 12.9% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the NE averaging 7.3 knots, with gusts recorded up to 33 knots. Calm conditions occur 18.8% of the time. Temperature extremes range from -8°C to 37°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are July, April, November.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: NE (45°)
Average Speed: 7.3 kt
Maximum Recorded: 33 kt
Calm Winds: 18.8%
Direction Distribution:
E
5.4%
N
9.1%
S
12.1%
W
12.2%
NE
17.1%
NW
6.3%
SE
2.7%
SW
16.4%

Temperature Range

Average: 16.3°C
Range: -8°C to 37°C
-8°C 37°C

Visibility

Average: 9.5 SM
Below 3 SM: 1.2%
Fog Frequency: 1.9%

Best Months for VFR

July April November

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 04L/22R
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.3 kt
Runway 04R/22L
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.3 kt

Statistics computed from 8,560 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jul 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Shaw Air Force Base - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KSSC
IATA Code: SSC
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 241 ft MSL

Location

City: Sumter
Country: US
Latitude: 33.972698°
Longitude: -80.470596°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+5

Runway Information

Runway 04L/22R
Length: 10,016 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No
Runway 04R/22L
Length: 8,001 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No

About Shaw Air Force Base

Shaw Air Force Base 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

Shaw Air Force Base serves as a critical military aviation facility located in Sumter, South Carolina. As a medium airport situated at 241 feet above mean sea level, it supports USAF operations with two substantial concrete runways. The base's strategic location in the southeastern United States provides significant operational capabilities for military aviation.

Flying Conditions

Pilots can expect predominantly VFR conditions, with 75% of observed weather patterns supporting visual flight rules. Temperature variations are substantial, ranging from -8°C to 36°C, with an average of 14.2°C. Wind patterns are predominantly from the northeast at 45 degrees, with an average speed of 7.1 knots and occasional peaks up to 28 knots, with calm conditions occurring 21% of the time.

Notable Features

The airport features two parallel runways: 04L/22R at 10,016 feet and 04R/22L at 8,001 feet, both constructed of concrete. Both runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, with an average crosswind of just 3.2 knots. Visibility is generally excellent, averaging 9.5 statute miles, with only 1.3% of observations showing visibility below 3 miles.

Approach Considerations

October, November, and January represent the most favorable months for VFR operations, offering consistently stable flying conditions. The runways' parallel configuration and consistent wind patterns provide flexible approach options. Pilots should be prepared for occasional reduced visibility, with fog present in 2.5% of observations and potential for MVFR or IFR conditions in approximately 24.9% of weather reports.

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.