Charleston Afb/Intl Airport to Lehigh Valley International CHS → ABE
515 nautical miles (593 statute miles) northeast on a straight line, true course 024°, about 031° magnetic at the departure end (variation 7W). At 120 knots that is 2 h 37 min at the quickest height in today's winds (34,000 ft, a 77-knot tailwind), arriving about 4:40 am EDT (08:40 UTC), after sunset at the destination. Right now CHS is VFR, wind from the west-southwest (240°) at 5 knots; ABE is marginal VFR, wind from the northeast (040°) at 10 knots. For planning, not a briefing: the legal preflight briefing comes from Flight Service (1-800-WX-BRIEF) or the FAA's own tools. Airlines fly this pair: 2 flights in the DOT's last twelve reported months, the route's page.
The route the straight line, the warnings crossed, restrictions, pilot reports and the airports along the way · click a mark for its words
Green, blue, red and purple airport dots are the flying conditions reported there now (VFR, marginal VFR, IFR, low IFR); grey means no report. Red areas are SIGMETs, orange areas AIRMETs, hatched red areas temporary flight restrictions. Map tiles: OpenFreeMap, data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Warnings the route crosses SIGMETs and AIRMETs whose area the line passes through or comes within 25 nm of
- AIRMET TANGO 3W: moderate turbulence above 18,000 ft from 21,000 ft to 33,000 ft. Over the last 327 nm of the route.
- AIRMET TANGO 5W: moderate turbulence below 18,000 ft (due to mountain wave) up to 10,000 ft. Near the route, 208 nm along the route.
- AIRMET SIERRA 3E: low cloud or poor visibility (IFR conditions) (due to ceilings below 1,000 ft, visibility below 3 miles, precipitation, mist). Over the last 238 nm of the route.
A SIGMET warns of weather hazardous to all aircraft; an AIRMET of weather that matters to small aircraft and to flying without instruments. "From 60 to 180 nm out" is measured along the route from CHS.
Pilot reports along the route within 50 nm of the line, last three hours, the serious ones first
- B712 descending, 12 nm northwest, 11:10 pm EDT (03:10 UTC): remarks: light rain light chop bases 50,000 ft ft. 406 nm along the route, 12 nm northwest of the line.
as filed, and in English
BWI UA /OV RWY 15R/TM 0310/FLDURD/TP B712/RM LIGHT RAIN. LIGHT CHOP. BASES 500 FT
- Report
- a routine report filed through BWI
- Where
- runway 15R
- Time
- 03:10 UTC
- Height
- during the descent
- Aircraft
- B712
- Remarks
- light rain light chop bases 50,000 ft ft
- E145 at 600 ft, 42 nm northwest, 11:20 pm EDT (03:20 UTC): overcast above 600 ft. 466 nm along the route, 42 nm northwest of the line.
as filed, and in English
MDT UA /OV MDT/TM 0320/FL006/TP E145/SK OVC 006
- Report
- a routine report filed through MDT
- Where
- over MDT
- Time
- 03:20 UTC
- Height
- at 600 ft
- Aircraft
- E145
- Sky
- overcast from 600 ft
Winds aloft along the route, and the time en route the forecast for use 02:00–09:00 UTC · at 120 knots true airspeed
The eastbound cruising heights for this course (VFR: odd thousands plus 500 ft; above 18,000 ft the forecast levels), with the wind averaged along the line from the 6 forecast points nearest it (CHS, FLO, RDU, RIC, ACY, AVP). A plus sign is a headwind, a minus sign a tailwind.
| Height | Average wind | Head- or tailwind | Temperature | Ground speed | Time en route | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,500 ft | 270° at 19 kt | −8 kt | 128 kt | 4 h 01 min | 6:04 am EDT (10:04 UTC) | |
| 5,500 ft | 280° at 16 kt | −5 kt | 125 kt | 4 h 07 min | 6:10 am EDT (10:10 UTC) | |
| 7,500 ft | 280° at 17 kt | −6 kt | 11 °C | 126 kt | 4 h 05 min | 6:08 am EDT (10:08 UTC) |
| 9,500 ft | 270° at 20 kt | −9 kt | 7 °C | 129 kt | 4 h | 6:03 am EDT (10:03 UTC) |
| 11,500 ft | 260° at 23 kt | −14 kt | 5 °C | 134 kt | 3 h 51 min | 5:54 am EDT (09:54 UTC) |
| 13,500 ft | 250° at 27 kt | −19 kt | 2 °C | 139 kt | 3 h 42 min | 5:45 am EDT (09:45 UTC) |
| 15,500 ft | 250° at 31 kt | −23 kt | -2 °C | 143 kt | 3 h 36 min | 5:39 am EDT (09:39 UTC) |
| 17,500 ft | 240° at 36 kt | −28 kt | -6 °C | 148 kt | 3 h 29 min | 5:32 am EDT (09:32 UTC) |
| 18,000 ft FL180 | 240° at 37 kt | −29 kt | -7 °C | 149 kt | 3 h 27 min | 5:30 am EDT (09:30 UTC) |
| 24,000 ft FL240 | 240° at 48 kt | −41 kt | -19 °C | 161 kt | 3 h 12 min | 5:15 am EDT (09:15 UTC) |
| 30,000 ft FL300 | 220° at 71 kt | −67 kt | -31 °C | 187 kt | 2 h 45 min | 4:48 am EDT (08:48 UTC) |
| 34,000 ft FL340 | 230° at 84 kt | −77 kt | -40 °C | 197 kt | 2 h 37 min | 4:40 am EDT (08:40 UTC) |
| 39,000 ft FL390 | 230° at 65 kt | −58 kt | -50 °C | 178 kt | 2 h 54 min | 4:57 am EDT (08:57 UTC) |
Based on data from the 12th at 00:00 UTC; valid on the 12th at 06:00 UTC for use 02:00 to 09:00 UTC; temperatures above 24,000 ft are below zero. Heights are above sea level; a height is left out when the forecast has no wind for it over most of the line (the ground is higher). Ground speed is the airspeed less the headwind; the time en route is for the straight line and ignores climb, descent and routing around weather.
The forecast points as issued
| Point | From | 3,000 | 6,000 | 9,000 | 12,000 | 18,000 | 24,000 | 30,000 | 34,000 | 39,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHS | used from 0 nm out; 25 nm from the line | 280/21 | 270/23 12° | 280/28 11° | 260/35 6° | 250/41 -5° | 250/45 -16° | 230/59 -32° | 220/74 -40° | 230/67 -52° |
| FLO | used from 50 nm out; 17 nm from the line | 300/16 | 320/14 12° | 320/19 7° | 290/26 5° | 260/39 -6° | 250/45 -18° | 230/62 -32° | 230/83 -40° | 230/64 -51° |
| RDU | used from 149 nm out; 23 nm from the line | 280/33 | 300/23 11° | 300/28 8° | 290/28 4° | 260/41 -6° | 240/52 -18° | 230/66 -31° | 230/76 -39° | 240/52 -49° |
| RIC | used from 248 nm out; 35 nm from the line | 270/23 | 280/19 11° | 270/18 8° | 240/22 4° | 230/39 -7° | 220/55 -18° | 220/75 -30° | 230/83 -39° | 230/64 -50° |
| ACY | used from 396 nm out; 83 nm from the line | 220/19 | 220/18 14° | 210/36 9° | 210/35 5° | 220/36 -8° | 240/49 -21° | 220/90 -31° | 230/103 -40° | 230/81 -50° |
| AVP | used from 495 nm out; 51 nm from the line | 150/5 | 350/13 12° | 270/20 8° | 260/17 4° | 260/25 -11° | 240/31 -22° | 240/54 -35° | 230/61 -41° | 240/55 -49° |
The weather now: both ends and the airports along the way public airports with a weather report within 25 nm of the line, one for each stretch
| Airport | Where | Conditions | Wind | Visibility | Ceiling | Elevation | Reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHS Charleston, SC | departure | VFR Sky: a few clouds at 20,000 feet | from the west-southwest (240°) at 5 knots | 10+ mi | none | 46 ft | 1:56 am EDT (05:56 UTC) |
| MKS Moncks Corner, SC | 20 nm out, 8 nm west of the line | VFR | from the west-southwest (240°) at 4 knots | 10+ mi | none | 74 ft | 05:55 UTC |
| FLO Florence, SC | 79 nm out, 17 nm west of the line, tower | VFR | from the west-southwest (240°) at 7 knots | 10+ mi | none | 146 ft | 05:53 UTC |
| FAY Fayetteville, NC | 139 nm out, 1 nm southeast of the line, tower | VFR | from the southwest (230°) at 10 knots | 10+ mi | none | 189 ft | 05:53 UTC |
| RDU Raleigh/Durham, NC | 188 nm out, 17 nm northwest of the line, tower | VFR Sky: a few clouds at 1,500 feet, scattered clouds at 4,200 feet, a broken layer at 6,500 feet | from the west-southwest (240°) at 11 knots, gusting to 20 | 10+ mi | 6,500 ft | 435 ft | 05:51 UTC |
| LHZ Louisburg, NC | 208 nm out, 2 nm southwest of the line | VFR Sky: scattered clouds at 4,200 feet, a broken layer at 5,000 feet | from the southwest (230°) at 5 knots | 10+ mi | 5,000 ft | 368 ft | 05:55 UTC |
| RIC Richmond, VA | 307 nm out, 5 nm southeast of the line, tower | IFR Sky: a broken layer at 900 feet, overcast at 1,900 feet Weather: light rain, mist | from the west (260°) at 9 knots | 5 mi | 900 ft | 167 ft | 05:54 UTC |
| OFP Richmond/Ashland, VA | 317 nm out, 6 nm west of the line | IFR Sky: overcast at 600 feet Weather: light rain, mist | from the west-northwest (290°) at 8 knots | 5 mi | 600 ft | 206 ft | 05:54 UTC |
| BWI Baltimore, MD | 406 nm out, 12 nm northwest of the line, tower | IFR Sky: overcast at 800 feet Weather: light rain | from the north-northeast (020°) at 6 knots | 7 mi | 800 ft | 143 ft | 05:54 UTC |
| MTN Baltimore, MD | 426 nm out, 5 nm west of the line, tower | IFR Sky: overcast at 700 feet | calm | 7 mi | 700 ft | 22 ft | 05:55 UTC |
| RDG Reading, PA | 486 nm out, 15 nm northwest of the line, tower | IFR Sky: overcast at 900 feet | from the north-northeast (030°) at 5 knots | 10+ mi | 900 ft | 343 ft | 05:54 UTC |
| ABE Allentown, PA | destination | marginal VFR Sky: overcast at 1,900 feet | from the northeast (040°) at 10 knots | 10+ mi | 1,900 ft | 393 ft | 1:51 am EDT (05:51 UTC) |
The highest airport on this list sits at 435 ft; the ground between airports is higher still. Check the sectional chart for the terrain and the minimum safe heights along the line.
At ABE when you get there the forecast at the estimated arrival, 4:40 am EDT (08:40 UTC)
Wind from the northeast at 8 knots, visibility 6 miles, mist, showers nearby, overcast at 1,000 feet marginal VFR
At times between Mon 2:00 am EDT (06:00 UTC) and 5:00 am EDT (09:00 UTC): visibility 5 miles, light rain showers, mist, a broken layer at 900 feet IFR
The whole forecast for ABE
- From Mon 2:00 am EDT (06:00 UTC): wind from the northeast at 8 knots, visibility 6 miles, mist, showers nearby, overcast at 1,000 feet
- At times between Mon 2:00 am EDT (06:00 UTC) and 5:00 am EDT (09:00 UTC): visibility 5 miles, light rain showers, mist, a broken layer at 900 feet
- From Mon 7:00 am EDT (11:00 UTC): wind from the north at 6 knots, visibility 6 miles, mist, a broken layer at 2,000 feet
- From Mon 11:00 am EDT (15:00 UTC): wind from the north-northwest at 10 knots, visibility more than 6 miles, scattered clouds at 3,500 feet
- From Mon 6:00 pm EDT (22:00 UTC): wind from the west-northwest at 8 knots, visibility more than 6 miles, scattered clouds at 25,000 feet
- From Mon 9:00 pm EDT (01:00 UTC): wind light and variable, visibility more than 6 miles, a few clouds at 25,000 feet
The forecast for CHS, the departure
- From Mon 2:00 am EDT (06:00 UTC): wind from the west at 5 knots, visibility more than 6 miles, clear skies
- From Mon 10:00 am EDT (14:00 UTC): wind from the north-northwest at 8 knots, visibility more than 6 miles, clear skies
- From Mon 8:00 pm EDT (00:00 UTC): wind light and variable, visibility more than 6 miles, clear skies
Temporary flight restrictions on the line or within 25 nm of it
- 6/8713 Maxton, NC, Friday, October 16, 2026 through Sunday, October 18, 2026 UTC 11 nm from the route, 119 nm along the route · air shows/sports · starts Friday 16 October · ZDC
- 6/8508 Johnsontown, NC 20 nm from the route, 129 nm along the route · security · ZDC
- 4/9383 WASHINGTON, DC., USA 5 nm from the route, 386 nm along the route · security · ZDC
- 6/8800 Baltimore, MD, Saturday, October 17, 2026 through Sunday, October 18, 2026 UTC 11 nm from the route, 416 nm along the route · drones kept away from a public gathering · starts Saturday 17 October · ZDC
Daylight
Sunset at CHS 6:50 pm EDT (22:50 UTC), at ABE 6:26 pm EDT (22:26 UTC) (civil twilight ends 6:53 pm EDT (22:53 UTC)). At 120 knots the arrival at ABE is before sunrise there (7:09 am EDT (11:09 UTC)).
Each restriction opens the FAA's own page with the exact area, heights and times. Ordinary notices to air missions (closed runways, lights out) are not shown: the FAA's notice search is not open to sites like this one at this time.
Radar and forecast charts for the regions crossed government pictures, the latest each time the page loads
Sources: the Aviation Weather Center's data service (SIGMETs, AIRMETs, graphical AIRMETs, pilot reports, winds and temperatures aloft, observations and terminal forecasts), the National Weather Service radar, the Weather Prediction Center's charts, the FAA's temporary flight restriction list and shapes, and the FAA's airport file for the positions, elevations and magnetic variation. Fetched when the page is viewed and kept a few minutes. Each leg is the straight line between its two airports; airways, terrain and airspace are not considered. The airports in detail: Charleston Afb/Intl Airport, Lehigh Valley International.