Fairbanks International Airport (PAFA)
Fairbanks, United States · North America
By Renzo, CPL
ICAO
PAFA
IATA
FAI
City
Fairbanks
Country
United States
Region
North America
Elevation
434 ft
Runways
2 runways
Coordinates
64.8151, -147.8561
Overview
Interior Alaska airport with extreme temperature variations and bush flying training opportunities.
Current Weather at PAFA
Pilots flying into or out of Fairbanks International Airport should always check the latest METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) before departure. A METAR is a standardized weather observation issued every hour (or more frequently as a SPECI when conditions change rapidly). It includes wind direction and speed, visibility, cloud layers, temperature, dewpoint, and altimeter setting -- everything you need for a safe go/no-go decision.
Live conditions
Current METAR
METAR PAFA 210053Z VRB05KT 10SM BKN075 BKN090 OVC100 14/M02 A2970 RMK AO2 SLP063 VIRGA T01441022 $Current TAF
TAF PAFA 202320Z 2100/2206 02004KT P6SM OVC060 FM210600 VRB04KT P6SM VCSH OVC050 FM211200 VRB03KT P6SM -RA OVC040 FM211800 18004KT P6SM VCSH OVC050Decode METAR for PAFA
Paste the PAFA METAR into our free decoder and get a plain-English breakdown instantly.
Check Weather Before Your Flight
A thorough weather briefing is essential for safe flight operations at Fairbanks International Airport. Here are the key weather products every pilot should review:
- METARHourly surface observation for PAFA. Includes wind, visibility, ceiling, temp/dewpoint, and altimeter.
- TAFTerminal Aerodrome Forecast covering the next 24-30 hours. Look for expected wind shifts, visibility changes, and precipitation.
- NOTAMNotices to Air Missions for PAFA. Check for runway closures, taxiway restrictions, and navaid outages.
- PIREPPilot Reports from aircraft near Fairbanks. Real-world turbulence, icing, and cloud top reports.
- SIG/AIRMETArea forecasts for significant weather, turbulence, and icing that may affect operations around Fairbanks International Airport.
Learn to read sectional charts to plan your route visually, and use our crosswind calculator to check runway compatibility with current winds.
Pilot Resources at Fairbanks International Airport
Radio Frequencies
Always verify current frequencies in the Chart Supplement (formerly A/FD) before flight. Common frequencies for airports like PAFA include ATIS/AWOS, Ground, Tower (if towered), Approach/Departure, and Clearance Delivery. Frequencies change -- never rely on outdated sources.
Flight Schools Nearby
Browse flight schools near Fairbanks and compare training programs.
Private Pilot Guide
Everything you need to earn your PPL, from requirements to checkride prep.
METAR Decoder
Decode any METAR report into plain English. Free tool for student and experienced pilots.
Sectional Chart Guide
Learn to read VFR sectional charts for navigation around Fairbanks.
Training Availability
Flight Training Available
Fairbanks International Airport has flight schools and training programs operating on the field or nearby. Browse flight schools
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