Alpnach Air Base (LSMA)
Medium airport · Alpnach, Obwalden, Switzerland
Airport data
| Name | Alpnach Air Base |
|---|---|
| ICAO | LSMA |
| Elevation | 1,460 ft (445 m) above mean sea level |
| Coordinates | N 46°56'38" E 8°17'3" 46.94390, 8.28417 |
| Location | Alpnach, Obwalden, Switzerland |
| Scheduled service | No |
Runways
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/19 | 4,914 ft (1498 m) | 131 ft | ASP | Yes |
Alpnach Air Base at a glance
Alpnach Air Base is a medium airport in Alpnach, Obwalden, Switzerland. The field elevation of 1,460 ft (445 m) is the number every arriving pilot dials against QNH — circuit heights and initial approach altitudes at LSMA are all figured from it. There is no scheduled airline service listed here — typical traffic is general aviation, training and local operations.
The single runway, 01/19, offers 4,914 ft (1498 m) of asp surface, with runway lighting for night operations. Runway numbers give magnetic orientation: runway 01 points roughly 10° magnetic.
For the weather side of planning, the live METAR and TAF page for LSMA 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 Alpnach Air Base
Distances are great-circle, measured from the field reference point — planning distances along airways or roads will run longer.
| Airport | Code | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Emmen Air Base | LSME | 17 km (9 NM) |
| Dübendorf Air Base | LSMD | 58 km (31 NM) |
| Bern Airport | LSZB | 60 km (32 NM) |
| Zürich Airport | LSZH | 61 km (33 NM) |
| Grenchen Airfield | LSZG | 71 km (38 NM) |
Flight-planning notes for Alpnach Air Base
Density altitude is the quiet performance-killer at any field: on a hot day the 1,460 ft field elevation of Alpnach Air Base 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 13 airports and airfields we list for Switzerland — 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 Alpnach Air Base
What is the ICAO code of Alpnach Air Base?
The ICAO identifier of Alpnach Air Base is LSMA, and it has no IATA code assigned. The ICAO code is the one used in flight plans, METAR reports and aeronautical charts.
How high is Alpnach Air Base above sea level?
Alpnach Air Base sits at an elevation of 1,460 feet (445 metres) above mean sea level. Field elevation is the reference for pattern altitudes and for setting the altimeter on the ground.
Where exactly is Alpnach Air Base located?
The airport lies at 46.9439, 8.2842 — in Alpnach, Obwalden, Switzerland, in the northern hemisphere. The closest listed field is Emmen Air Base, about 17 km away.
Does LSMA publish METAR weather reports?
Where the station reports, the current METAR and TAF for LSMA 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 Alpnach Air Base?
Alpnach Air Base has one runway. The longest, 01/19, measures 4,914 ft (1498 m) with a ASP surface.