Flying in Anchorage, AK
There are 12 airfields within 93 miles of Anchorage — the nearest is Merrill Field (PAMR), about 2 miles out. Daylight runs from about 18h 57m of daylight at midsummer down to about 5h 03m at midwinter, so your VFR window shifts a lot through the year. Below: the airfields nearby, the seasonal daylight and weather, and where to find the official charts.
Airfields near Anchorage
Public and private airfields within 93 miles, nearest first.
Merrill Field
Lake Hood Seaplane Base
Elmendorf Air Force Base
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
Bryant Army Airfield
Birchwood Airport
Big Lake Airport
Wasilla Airport
Willow Airport
Warren Bud Woods Palmer Municipal Airport
Beluga Airport
Whittier Airport
Daylight & the VFR window
Most VFR flying happens between sunrise and sunset, so daylight length is your practical flying window. Times below are local solar time (clock times shift with your time zone and DST). Plan night currency and reserves around the short end of the year.
| Time of year | Sunrise–sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|
| June solstice (Jun 21) | 02:32–21:28 | 18h 57m |
| Equinox (Mar 20) | 06:07–17:53 | 11h 47m |
| December solstice (Dec 21) | 09:28–14:32 | 5h 03m |
Typical weather
Seasonal averages from 2021–2023. A guide to what to pack and plan for — always check current METARs, TAFs, and NOTAMs before you fly.
| Season | Avg high | Avg low | Avg wind | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 6.8°C / 44°F | -2.5°C / 28°F | 14 km/h | 26% |
| Summer | 18.5°C / 65°F | 10.8°C / 51°F | 13 km/h | 46% |
| Autumn | 4.4°C / 40°F | -1.2°C / 30°F | 13 km/h | 50% |
| Winter | -5.1°C / 23°F | -10.5°C / 13°F | 15 km/h | 45% |
Airspace & charts
For the exact airspace classes, frequencies, restricted areas, and airfield plates around Anchorage, go straight to the official sources — never plan a route off this page alone.
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