Whiteman Air Force Base

KSZL / SZL

Knob Noster, US

Last Updated
Jul 4, 01:55Z

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
Fresh 23 min ago
01:55Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
28°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 22°C
4 kt
150°
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1015 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KSZL 040155Z 15004KT 10SM CLR 28/22 A2996 RMK AO2A SLP138 T02820222 $

Weather Briefing

VFR

Whiteman 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-southeast (150°) at 4 knots.

Visibility & Ceiling

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

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 28°C (82°F) with a dewpoint of 22°C, indicating moderate moisture conditions.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 29 hours. Conditions are expected to fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions. Expected weather includes: Light Thunderstorm Rain, Light Showers Rain. Temporary MVFR conditions are forecast with Light Thunderstorm Rain between 21:00Z and 22:00Z. Temporary MVFR conditions are forecast with Light Showers Rain between 12:00Z and 14:00Z.

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
1015 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
986 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (870 ft)
Pressure Alt
818 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 2,587 ft
ISA Deviation: +14.7°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF AMD KSZL 032025Z 0320/0501 20010G15KT 9999 FEW030 SCT200 QNH2998INS TEMPO 0321/0322 24015G25KT -TSRA BKN030CB BECMG 0323/0324 20009KT 9999 FEW050 QNH2997INS BECMG 0411/0412 21010G15KT 9999 BKN090 QNH2997INS TEMPO 0412/0414 8000 -SHRA BECMG 0417/0418 23010G15KT 9999 SCT040 QNH2990INS TX34/0322Z TN23/0412Z
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
02:17Z BASE
+0h
VFR 200° 10 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
11:00Z BECMG
+9h
VFR 210° 10 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 9,000 ft
12:00Z TEMPO
+10h
MVFR
Visibility: 8 km
Light Showers Rain

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
SZL
01
19 ✈️

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 01/19
Active: 19
12,400 ft 200 ft CON 11°
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 - KSZL

8,507 observations | Sep 2025 - Jul 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
75.8%
MVFR
10.9%
IFR
7.6%
LIFR
5.7%

Whiteman Air Force Base typically experiences VFR conditions 75.8% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 13.3% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 8.8 knots, with gusts recorded up to 33 knots. Temperature extremes range from -20°C to 37°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are July, February, September.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: S (180°)
Average Speed: 8.8 kt
Maximum Recorded: 33 kt
Calm Winds: 9.1%
Direction Distribution:
E
9.2%
N
12.6%
S
21.6%
W
7.1%
NE
7.8%
NW
10.1%
SE
8.8%
SW
13.8%

Temperature Range

Average: 12.4°C
Range: -20°C to 37°C
-20°C 37°C

Visibility

Average: 9.5 SM
Below 3 SM: 1.2%
Fog Frequency: 2.2%

Best Months for VFR

July February September

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 01/19
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.4 kt

Statistics computed from 8,507 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jul 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Whiteman Air Force Base - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KSZL
IATA Code: SZL
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 870 ft MSL

Location

City: Knob Noster
Country: US
Latitude: 38.730301°
Longitude: -93.547897°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+6

Runway Information

Runway 01/19
Length: 12,400 ft
Width: 200 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No

About Whiteman Air Force Base

Whiteman 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

Whiteman Air Force Base is located near Knob Noster, Missouri, serving as a strategic military aviation facility at 870 feet mean sea level. The base hosts a substantial 12,400-foot concrete runway (01/19), capable of supporting complex military aircraft operations. Its central US location provides critical infrastructure for strategic air mobility and defense missions.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Whiteman AFB demonstrate significant variability, with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) predominating 74% of observations. Temperature ranges from -16°C to 37°C, presenting diverse operational challenges throughout the year. Winds predominantly originate from the south at an average of 8.1 knots, with occasional gusts up to 29 knots, and calm conditions occurring 10.1% of the time.

Notable Features

The airport's single runway (01/19) demonstrates favorable wind alignment, with crosswinds averaging only 4.4 knots. Visibility typically remains excellent, averaging 9.5 statute miles, with restricted visibility (below 3SM) occurring in just 1.4% of observations. Fog events are relatively infrequent, affecting only 3.9% of recorded periods.

Approach Considerations

September, October, and January represent the most consistent VFR months for aviation operations. The runway's extensive 12,400-foot length provides substantial margin for diverse aircraft types and operational requirements. Pilots should anticipate predominantly southern wind patterns and prepare for potential marginal conditions during the roughly 25% of time when flight rules are not strictly VFR.

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.