Flying in Rapid City, SD
There are 10 airfields within 93 miles of Rapid City — the nearest is Ellsworth Air Force Base (KRCA), about 7 miles out. Daylight runs from about 15h 19m of daylight at midsummer down to about 8h 41m 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 Rapid City
Public and private airfields within 93 miles, nearest first.
Ellsworth Air Force Base
Rapid City Regional Airport
Custer County Airport
Black Hills Airport-Clyde Ice Field
Hot Springs Municipal Airport
Belle Fourche Municipal Airport
Mondell Field
Philip Airport
Pine Ridge Airport
Chadron Municipal 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) | 04:21–19:39 | 15h 19m |
| Equinox (Mar 20) | 06:04–17:56 | 11h 53m |
| December solstice (Dec 21) | 07:39–16:21 | 8h 41m |
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 | 13.1°C / 56°F | 1.1°C / 34°F | 26 km/h | 22% |
| Summer | 28.9°C / 84°F | 16.3°C / 61°F | 23 km/h | 21% |
| Autumn | 16.6°C / 62°F | 5.2°C / 41°F | 24 km/h | 14% |
| Winter | 3°C / 37°F | -7.5°C / 19°F | 26 km/h | 16% |
Airspace & charts
For the exact airspace classes, frequencies, restricted areas, and airfield plates around Rapid City, go straight to the official sources — never plan a route off this page alone.
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