Potchefstroom Airport (FAPS)
Medium airport · Potchefstroom, North-West, South Africa
Airport data
| Name | Potchefstroom Airport |
|---|---|
| ICAO | FAPS |
| IATA | PCF |
| Elevation | 4,520 ft (1378 m) above mean sea level |
| Coordinates | S 26°40'16" E 27°4'55" -26.67100, 27.08190 |
| Location | Potchefstroom, North-West, South Africa |
| Scheduled service | No |
Runways
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03/21 | 4,885 ft (1489 m) | 98 ft | ASP | Yes |
| 15/33 | 3,281 ft (1000 m) | 98 ft | GRS | No |
Potchefstroom Airport at a glance
Potchefstroom Airport is a medium airport in Potchefstroom, North-West, South Africa, known to airline systems as PCF. The field elevation of 4,520 ft (1378 m) is the number every arriving pilot dials against QNH — circuit heights and initial approach altitudes at FAPS are all figured from it. There is no scheduled airline service listed here — typical traffic is general aviation, training and local operations.
Of its 2 runways, the longest — 03/21 — offers 4,885 ft (1489 m) of asp surface, with runway lighting for night operations. Runway numbers give magnetic orientation: runway 03 points roughly 30° magnetic.
For the weather side of planning, the live METAR and TAF page for FAPS shows the current observation decoded line by line — wind on an instrument dial, visibility, cloud layers and the resulting flight rules — refreshed continuously from official sources.
Nearest airports to Potchefstroom Airport
Distances are great-circle, measured from the field reference point — planning distances along airways or roads will run longer.
| Airport | Code | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| P C Pelser Airport | FAKD | 42 km (23 NM) |
| Vereeniging Airport | FAVV | 88 km (48 NM) |
| Morningside Farm Airport | FAMS | 109 km (59 NM) |
| Rustenburg Airport | FARG | 116 km (63 NM) |
| Rand Airport | FAGM | 117 km (63 NM) |
Flight-planning notes for Potchefstroom Airport
Density altitude is the quiet performance-killer at any field: on a hot day the 4,520 ft field elevation of Potchefstroom Airport can translate into a substantially higher density altitude, stretching take-off rolls and flattening climb rates — run the numbers rather than trusting the feel of a standard day. Expect published instrument procedures, controlled airspace and clearance requirements; slots and handling may apply to general aviation traffic.
This entry is one of 62 airports and airfields we list for South Africa — the country index on the airports hub links the rest. Coordinates above are given in both DMS and decimal degrees so they can go straight into a GPS, a flight planner or a chart plot without conversion.
Where this data comes from
The reference layer behind this page builds on the OurAirports dataset — a public-domain, community-maintained register of the world's airports that many flight planners and apps rely on — with equity records preserved from documented historical listings where the dataset is silent. Figures are carried as published: elevations as surveyed, coordinates as filed, runway dimensions as recorded. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap, and the whole layer regenerates from source on every site build, so corrections upstream arrive here automatically.
Frequently asked questions about Potchefstroom Airport
What is the ICAO code of Potchefstroom Airport?
The ICAO identifier of Potchefstroom Airport is FAPS, and its IATA code is PCF. The ICAO code is the one used in flight plans, METAR reports and aeronautical charts.
How high is Potchefstroom Airport above sea level?
Potchefstroom Airport sits at an elevation of 4,520 feet (1378 metres) above mean sea level. Field elevation is the reference for pattern altitudes and for setting the altimeter on the ground.
Where exactly is Potchefstroom Airport located?
The airport lies at -26.6710, 27.0819 — in Potchefstroom, North-West, South Africa, in the southern hemisphere. The closest listed field is P C Pelser Airport, about 42 km away.
Does FAPS publish METAR weather reports?
Where the station reports, the current METAR and TAF for FAPS appear on its live weather page on this site, refreshed continuously from the US NWS Aviation Weather Center feed.
How long is the runway at Potchefstroom Airport?
Potchefstroom Airport has 2 runways. The longest, 03/21, measures 4,885 ft (1489 m) with a ASP surface.