WxDecoder

PAFB/FBK METAR & TAF Ladd Army Airfield

Fairbanks, AlaskaElevation 454 ftMedium airport
CURRENT STATUS
VFR11 min old
No ceiling, visibility 8 SM, snow.
FLIGHT CATEGORY
VFR
ceiling & visibility
WIND
080@5
steady
VISIBILITY
8 SM
12.9 km
CEILING
None
no BKN/OVC layer
DENSITY ALT
-1,272 ft
-1,726 ft vs field
ACTIVE NWS ALERTS

Active weather alerts

Winter Weather AdvisoryModerate · Expected · Likely
25 1951Z to 27 0600Z
Delta Junction; Tanana Flats; Eielson AFB and Salcha; Goldstream Valley and Nenana Hills; Chatanika River Valley; Two Rivers; Fairbanks Metro Area
* WHAT...Wintry mix. Total snow accumulations up to two inches. * WHERE...Chatanika River Valley, Delta Junction, Eielson AFB, Salcha, Fairbanks Metro Area, Goldstream Valley, Nenana Hills, Tanana Flats, and Two Rivers. * WHEN...Until 10 PM AKDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Multiple front…
Slow down and use caution while traveling. Visit 511.alaska.gov or call 5 1 1 for the latest road conditions.

Alerts from the National Weather Service. For situational awareness only; always confirm against an official briefing.

CURRENT METAR

Decoded observation

Observed 0417Z (8:17 PM local) · 11 min old

PAFB is currently VFR. Winds are from the east at 5 knots. Visibility is 8 statute miles. There is no ceiling. Reported weather: light snow. The main issue is snow reported.

WIND
80° at 5 kt
Steady.
VISIBILITY
8 statute miles
12.9 km, good.
CEILING & SKY
FEW023 SCT032
FEW and SCT layers are not ceilings.
TEMP / DEWPOINT
1°C / 1°C
34°F / 34°F. 0°C spread.
ALTIMETER
30.09 inHg
1019 hPa, above standard.
WEATHER & HAZARDS
SN
Snow reported.

Codes in this report: AUTO FEW SCT RMK AO2

Hover or tap any group for a plain-English explanation.

REMARKS: DECODED
AO2
automated station with a precipitation discriminator (can tell rain from snow)
SNE00SNB02
unrecognized remark group
SLP200
sea-level pressure 1020.0 hPa
TERMINAL AERODROME FORECAST

TAF timeline

Issued 1445Z (6:45 AM local) · valid to 2000Z (12:00 PM local)

PAFB forecast starts LIFR at 14Z. Worst period is 23Z to 00Z with LIFR possible (LOW CIG, LOW VIS, ICE). Best period is 13Z to 20Z (VFR). Overall the forecast improves over the period.

  • Maximum temperature -4°C expected at 2300Z on day 22.
  • Minimum temperature -10°C expected at 1400Z on day 23.
BKN004400 ft · 1.2 SM
BKN004400 ft · 1.2 SM
BKN0101,000 ft · 3 SM
VFR
1400Z6:00 AM2000Z12:00 PM0200Z6:00 PM0800Z12:00 AM1400Z6:00 AM2000Z12:00 PM

Codes in this report: COR BR BKN OVC TEMPO BECMG 9999 NSW SCT

Tap any group to decode it.

FAA: no delays reported at FBK.

Source: FAA System Operations (ASWS). Operational status only; verify with official FAA sources and NOTAMs.

SUGGESTED RISK · TRAINING USE

Suggested risk level: Moderate

›Snow reported.
›Forecast: ceiling 400 ft AGL.

A suggested risk level for training and situational awareness only, not a go/no-go authority. Verify with official sources and apply your personal minimums.

FORECAST & PILOT NOTES · SUPPLEMENTAL

Extended forecast and pilot notes

Current aviation conditions show flight category VFR, wind from 80° at 5 kt, visibility 8 SM, ceiling none. Forecast suggests tonight rain and snow likely, low near 31F, 66% chance of precipitation. Key risks: no significant hazards are highlighted right now, but always confirm against an official briefing.

DayConditionsTemp FWindGustsPrecipPilot note
Tonight Rain And Snow Likely 31 SE 4 kt – 66%
Monday Light Snow 39/34 S 13 kt – 90%
Tuesday Light Rain 38/23 SE 4 kt – 86%
Wednesday Partly Sunny 34/28 E 4 kt – 21%
Thursday Slight Chance Light Snow 36/32 E 9 kt – 43%
Friday Chance Rain And Snow 37/28 E 9 kt – 43%
Saturday Chance Light Snow 33/23 E 4 kt – 28%
Sunday Chance Light Snow 29 E 4 kt – 27%

Source: National Weather Service (office AFG). Forecast issued 0427Z.

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RUNWAYS & WIND
1 runway · crosswind ranking
ON-FIELD METAR
NESW0725 80°80°5 kt80°80° 580°
READING THE BARB · SWIPE FOR MORE →
Calm
5 kt
10 kt
15 kt
20 kt
25 kt
30 kt
35 kt
40 kt
45 kt
50 kt
65 kt
75 kt
100 kt
105 kt
Half feather = 5 kt, full = 10 kt, filled pennant = 50 kt; add them up. The staff points the direction the wind blows from.
WIND USED
080° at 5 kt
Components computed from the current on-field METAR wind.
RECOMMENDED
RWY 075 kt headwind · 1 kt crosswind
RUNWAYS BY WIND · best end
07
HEAD
5 kt
CROSS
1 kt L
BEST
25
HEAD
5 kt tail
CROSS
1 kt R
OK
Components are estimates from the current METAR wind and runway heading. Verify with the Chart Supplement and NOTAMs.
RUNWAYS

Runway detail & declared distances

6 runways · longest 8,575 ft

H6
Dimensions
50 x 50 ft
Surface
Asphalt
RWY H6
H7
Dimensions
50 x 50 ft
Surface
Asphalt
RWY H7
07/25
Dimensions
8,575 x 150 ft
Surface
Asphalt
Edge lights
HIGH
RWY 0789°T
Approach lightsALSF1
REILYes
VGSIPAPI (P4L)
Traffic patternRight
RWY 25269°T
Approach lightsALSF1
REILYes
VGSIPAPI (P4L)
Traffic patternLeft
H4
Dimensions
50 x 50 ft
Surface
Asphalt
RWY H4
H5
Dimensions
50 x 50 ft
Surface
Asphalt
RWY H5
H1
Dimensions
50 x 50 ft
Surface
Asphalt
RWY H1

Runway data from the FAA NASR dataset (effective 2026-06-11). Verify with the current Chart Supplement and NOTAMs.

FIELD CONDITIONS

Performance & density altitude

Density altitude
-1,272 ft
Pressure altitude
284 ft
Field elevation
454 ft MSL
Temperature
1°C (34°F)
Dewpoint
1°C (34°F)
Altimeter
30.09 inHg

Density altitude estimates how the aircraft performs versus standard atmosphere. Higher density altitude reduces climb performance and increases takeoff distance.

DAYLIGHT & NIGHT

Sun & logging windows

Sunset
0152Z 5:52 PM
Sunrise
1717Z 9:17 AM
Loggable night
0245Z (6:45 PM local) → 1625Z (8:25 AM local)
end of evening to start of morning civil twilight
Position lights required
0152Z (5:52 PM local) → 1717Z (9:17 AM local)
sunset to sunrise (91.209)
Night passenger currency
0252Z (6:52 PM local) → 1617Z (8:17 AM local)
1 hr after sunset to 1 hr before sunrise (61.57(b))

FAA definitions, shown in Zulu with airport-local time. Verify for your operation.

AIRPORT INFORMATION

Facility & services

Ladd Army Airfield is in Fairbanks, Alaska. Field elevation 454 ft MSL. Airport facts are drawn from OurAirports and the FAA NASR dataset.

OPERATIONS & CONTACT
OwnershipArmy owned
UsePrivate use
TypeMedium airport
ManagerHQ 172 INFANTRY BRIGADE
Manager phone907-353-7022
AttendedALL MON-FRI, 1700–0800++
CHARTS & AIRSPACE
ICAO / IATAPAFB / FBK
SectionalFAIRBANKS
Center (ARTCC)ANCHORAGE
Flight service (AFSS)FAIRBANKS
RegionAlaska
CountryUnited States
Coordinates64.8375, -147.6140
Distance from city2 NM E
SERVICES & LIGHTING
Control towerTowered
Field lightingSee remarks
BeaconSunset to sunrise · White-green (lighted land airport)
CTAF125.000
FREQUENCIES

Communications

125.35
FAIRBANKS APP
APP
134.25
ATIS
ATIS
125
CTAF
CTAF
125.35
FAIRBANKS DEP
DEP
25.54
FAIRBANKS RDO
FSS
121.7
GND
GND
142.35
MEDIVAC OPS
MISC
118.9
BASE OPS
OPS
128.8
PMSV METRO
PMSV
125
TWR
TWR

Not all tower/ground/approach frequencies are in our datasets. Verify with the FAA Chart Supplement.

AIRCRAFT ACTIVITY

PAFB traffic patterns

2026-06-12 to 2026-10-23, 62 days observed · data 2026-10-23

Medium confidence
TRAFFIC VOLUME (30-DAY)
AVG LANDINGS/DAY
11.2
AVG OPS/DAY
20
Activity trend over 13 days: rising, from 27 to 52 operations per dayOperations trend (13 days)

Busiest day: Thu · Busiest month: Sep

FLEET MIX
Helicopter 52%Turboprop 23%Unknown 22%Piston single 1%

Mostly rotorcraft.

TOP AIRCRAFT TYPES
›H60 (Helicopter) · ~75 landings/mo
›H47 (Helicopter) · ~34 landings/mo
›PC12 (Turboprop) · ~23 landings/mo
›UNKN (Unknown) · ~19 landings/mo
›AT8T (Turboprop) · ~14 landings/mo
LIKELY BASED AIRCRAFT
Low-confidence estimate

Aircraft likely based near this airport (estimate), mostly rotorcraft.

›H60 (Helicopter)
›H47 (Helicopter)
›PC12 (Turboprop)
›DH8A (Unknown)
›C212 (Unknown)

This is an estimate based on repeated flight patterns, not registration data. Do not rely on it to identify specific aircraft or owners.

Data limitations (4)
›ADS-B coverage is incomplete; counts are an observed lower bound, not official totals.
›Some aircraft do not transmit usable ADS-B and are not counted.
›Aircraft types and based estimates are inferred and may be wrong.
›This is not official ATC, FAA, or airport data.
NEARBY AIRPORTS

Weather reference stations

Current flight category at nearby reporting stations.

PAFA Fairbanks International Airport
6 NM W
MVFR
PAEI Eielson Air Force Base
17 NM SE
MVFR
PANN Nenana Municipal Airport
41 NM SW
VFR
PABI Allen Army Airfield
70 NM SE
VFR
PAIN Denali National Park Airport
74 NM SW
UNKNOWN
PACE Central Airport
84 NM NE
VFR
AIRPORT REMARKS

Operational remarks

›DESIGNATED: HELIPAD S
›CTN: LGTD HWY PARL TO & N OF RWY 07/25 CAN BE CONFUSED WITH RWY.
›INSPN BY DEPT OF ARMY.
›GCA 121.3 118.05 276.4; MON-FRI 1700-0100++ EXC HOL.
›24 HR PPR FOR TSNT - D317-353-7212/6514/C907-353-7212/6514.
›CTN: ROAD APCH END OF RWY 07 & 25. NO OVRNS.
›ACTV RAILROAD 556 FT FM DER RUNS THRU CLEAR ZONE PERPENDICULAR TO CNTRLN; WHEN RAILROAD ACTV ATCT WILL ADVISE LNDG & DEP NA. 15 FT ROAD 387 FT E OF DER 349 FT FM DER RUNS THRU CLEAR ZONE PERPENDICULAR TO EXTDD CNTRLN; RIVER 556 FT FM DER RUNS THRU CLEAR ZONE PERPENDICULAR TO EXTDD CNTRLN.
›15 FT ROAD 349 FT W OF DER; 23 FT RAILROAD TRACKS 556 FT W OF DER; 25 FT TREES 556 FT W OF DER. ROAD 387 FT FM DER RUNS THRU CLEAR ZONE PERPENDICULAR TO EXTDD CNTRLN; RIVER 477 FT FM DER RUNS THRU CLEAR ZONE PERPENDICULAR TO EXTDD CNTRLN. ROAD TFC IS CTLD BY ATCT WHEN OPN.
›EDGE LGTS TWY H & PTNS OF TWY N & S GTR THAN 10 FT FM TWY SIDE STRIPES.
›SEASONAL CLIMATE COND EFCTS WEIGHT BRG CPTY.
›SVC: US CUSTOMS & INTL TRASH NOT AVBL.
›SVC: PAPI MAINT LAST WED OF MONTH 0900-1200/1800Z-2100Z++; PAPI NA DURG THIS TIME.
›PMSV METRO - 142.1, 381.375 OR D317-353-7111/C907-353-7111. WX MON-SAT 0900Z-0900Z++ EXC HOL OR NOTAM. MEDEVAC AFT HR - C907-382-6518.
›FIRING RANGE S OF FLD FOR ADZY CTC ATCT OR OPS.
›DE-ICE SVCS NOT AVBL.
›TWY A, B, C, D, E, F, G, SECTIONS OF N & S DO NOT HAVE SHOULDERS.
›ALL HOP DAY VMC ONLY.
›PCN JUN-FEB 111/F/B/W/T; PCN MAR-MAY 69/F/D/W/T.
›NSTD.
›ASOS 119.275 ASSOCD WITH R-2205 YUKON TRNG RANGE; ASOS 18.525 ASSOCD WITH R-2211 BLAIR LAKE TRNG RANGE. PMSV LMTD TO LINE OF SIGHT; RECEPTION BLW 5000 FT MSL LMTD FM 210-100 WI 100 NM BY TRRN, NO LMT ABV 5000 FT WI 50 NM; RECEPTION 3500-12000 FT LMTD FM 100-210 FM 50-100 NM BY TRRN, NO LMT ABV 12000 FT WI 100 NM. PMSV UNMON WHEN FBK TWR CLSD. SFC VIS RSTRD FM 020-050 DUE TO HNGR 1 & FM 250-350 DUE TO ATCT & BLDGS.
›MINS BASED ON FBK WX OBS.
›NSTD.
›WHEN TWR CLSD ACTVT AFLD LGTS - CTAF
›TPA R/W 1200 FT; F/W PISTON 1500 FT; F/W TURBINE 2000 FT.
›CTN: 100 FT MKD LGT POLE 3/4 NM SE.
›(A35) T200; ST175; TT340; TDT714.
›ALERT: NMRS NIGHT DEVICE ACFT OPS INVOF LADD AAF; EXP NMRS DIMLY LIT ACFT IN TANNANA FLATS & YUKON TRNG AREA DURG HR OF DARKNESS & WKDAY SEP-APR.
›BIRD ACT INVOF ARPT.
›NORTH TFC PAT R/W & MQ-1 GRAY EAGLE ONLY; LRG ACFT - RAMP PRKG; SMALL ACFT TIE DOWN NOT AVBL.
›MED EVAC PAD FOR F/W AT OPS RAMP; R/W EVAC PAD AT HOSPITAL; 15 MIN NOTICE RQRD.
›CTN: UNLGT TWRS IN ALPHA SOD CNTR INOP.
›RAPID HOT REFUELING POINTS OPS CLSD SAT, SUN, HOL; OTR TIMES BY NOTAM. AVN UNITS CTC THEIR OPS FOR COLD FUEL.
›DURG WX STATION EVAC - 907-382-6518.
OFFICIAL LINKS & SOURCES
↗Official METAR on AviationWeather.gov
↗Search NOTAMs (official FAA NOTAM Search)
↗Wikipedia
↗PAFB on OurAirports
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Does PAFB have a METAR?
Yes. PAFB has a current METAR observation, decoded into plain English on this page.
Does PAFB have a TAF?
Yes, a TAF is issued for PAFB; the decoded forecast timeline is shown above.
What is the field elevation at PAFB?
PAFB sits at 454 ft MSL, which factors into the density-altitude estimate on this page.
Is this an official preflight weather briefing for PAFB?
No. wxdecoder.com is for education and situational awareness only. It is not an official weather briefing or a substitute for official sources, NOTAM review, and pilot judgment.
This app is for aviation weather education, training, and situational awareness only. It is not a substitute for an official weather briefing, approved flight-planning software, flight service, dispatch procedures, current FAA regulations, or pilot judgment. Always verify weather with official sources before flight.