Phoenix Sky Harbor International to Rapid City Regional PHX → RAP
762 nautical miles (876 statute miles) northeast on a straight line, true course 031°, about 019° magnetic at the departure end (variation 12E). At 120 knots that is 4 h 14 min at the quickest height in today's winds (30,000 ft, a 60-knot tailwind), arriving about 10:01 pm MDT (04:01 UTC), after sunset at the destination. Right now PHX is VFR, wind from the west (270°) at 14 knots; RAP is marginal VFR, wind from the north-northeast (030°) at 8 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: 116 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
- SIGMET W64W: thunderstorms (a convective SIGMET) up to 37,000 ft, moving from the southwest at 40 knots, until 5:55 pm MST (00:55 UTC). Over the first 138 nm of the route.
as issued
WSUS33 KKCI 112255 MKCW WST 112255 CONVECTIVE SIGMET 64W VALID UNTIL 0055Z TX NM AZ FROM 50ENE PGS-60SE ABQ-10W ELP-30E TUS-70SE EED-50ENE PGS AREA TS MOV FROM 23040KT. TOPS TO FL370.
- SIGMET W63W: thunderstorms (a convective SIGMET) up to 37,000 ft, moving from the southwest at 40 knots, until 5:55 pm MST (00:55 UTC). Over the route from 237 to 396 nm out.
as issued
WSUS33 KKCI 112255 MKCW WST 112255 CONVECTIVE SIGMET 63W VALID UNTIL 0055Z CO NM AZ UT FROM 30SSW MTU-30NW PUB-20NW TCC-60SE ABQ-40N SJN-30SSW MTU AREA SEV TS MOV FROM 23040KT. TOPS TO FL370. WIND GUSTS TO 50KT POSS.
- AIRMET SIERRA 1E: mountains obscured by cloud (due to mountains obscured by clouds, precipitation, mist). Over the route from 20 to 524 nm out.
- AIRMET TANGO 4W: moderate turbulence below 18,000 ft up to 18,000 ft. Over the route from 40 to 613 nm out.
- AIRMET SIERRA 2E: low cloud or poor visibility (IFR conditions) (due to ceilings below 1,000 ft, visibility below 3 miles, precipitation, mist). Near the route, 59 nm along the route.
- AIRMET TANGO 3W: strong surface winds (30 knots or more) (due to sustained surface winds greater than 30 knots). Over the route from 168 to 247 nm out.
- AIRMET TANGO 4W: moderate turbulence above 18,000 ft from 18,000 ft to 36,000 ft. Over the last 554 nm of the route.
- AIRMET TANGO 1W: low-level wind shear (due to air speed loss or gain of 20 knots or more below 2,000 ft above the ground). Over the route from 287 to 495 nm out.
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 PHX.
Pilot reports along the route within 50 nm of the line, last three hours, the serious ones first
- COL4 at 13,000 ft, 33 nm northwest, 2:05 pm MST (21:05 UTC): moderate turbulence. 79 nm along the route, 33 nm northwest of the line.
as filed, and in English
PHX UA /OV FLG176015/TM 2105/FL130/TP COL4/TB MOD
- Report
- a routine report filed through PHX
- Where
- 15 nm south (176°) of FLG
- Time
- 21:05 UTC
- Height
- at 13,000 ft
- Aircraft
- COL4
- Turbulence
- moderate
- E170 at 10,000 ft, 28 nm northwest, 4:41 pm MST (23:41 UTC): moderate turbulence up to 10,000 ft, remarks: during the climb. 376 nm along the route, 28 nm northwest of the line.
as filed, and in English
GJT UA /OV GJT144009/TM 2341/FL100/TP E170/TB MOD SFC-100/RM DURC
- Report
- a routine report filed through GJT
- Where
- 9 nm southeast (144°) of GJT
- Time
- 23:41 UTC
- Height
- at 10,000 ft
- Aircraft
- E170
- Turbulence
- moderate from the surface to 10,000 ft
- Remarks
- during the climb
- C680 at 18,000 ft, 18 nm southeast, 3:35 pm MST (22:35 UTC): moderate turbulence, remarks: from 18,000 ft to 10,000 ft. 406 nm along the route, 18 nm southeast of the line.
as filed, and in English
ASE UA /OV ASE230020/TM 2235/FL180/TP C680/TB MOD/RM 180-100
- Report
- a routine report filed through ASE
- Where
- 20 nm southwest (230°) of ASE
- Time
- 22:35 UTC
- Height
- at 18,000 ft
- Aircraft
- C680
- Turbulence
- moderate
- Remarks
- from 18,000 ft to 10,000 ft
- LJ40 at 19,000 ft, 20 nm southeast, 2:32 pm MST (21:32 UTC): moderate turbulence. 415 nm along the route, 20 nm southeast of the line.
as filed, and in English
ASE UA /OV ASE240010/TM 2132/FL190/TP LJ40/TB MOD
- Report
- a routine report filed through ASE
- Where
- 10 nm southwest (240°) of ASE
- Time
- 21:32 UTC
- Height
- at 19,000 ft
- Aircraft
- LJ40
- Turbulence
- moderate
- C680A at 16,000 ft, 26 nm southeast, 3:59 pm MST (22:59 UTC): moderate turbulence, scattered clouds above 16,000 ft, remarks: during the descent. 425 nm along the route, 26 nm southeast of the line.
as filed, and in English
ASE UA /OV HAERI/TM 2259/FL160/TP C680A/SK SCT160/TB CONS MOD/RM DURD
- Report
- a routine report filed through ASE
- Where
- haeri
- Time
- 22:59 UTC
- Height
- at 16,000 ft
- Aircraft
- C680A
- Sky
- scattered clouds from 16,000 ft
- Turbulence
- continuous moderate
- Remarks
- during the descent
- B737 at 36,000 ft, 18 nm southeast, 2:28 pm MST (21:28 UTC): moderate turbulence, remarks: zdvwc. 435 nm along the route, 18 nm southeast of the line.
as filed, and in English
ASE UA /OV DBL/TM 2128/FL360/TP B737/TB MOD/RM ZDVWC
- Report
- a routine report filed through ASE
- Where
- over DBL
- Time
- 21:28 UTC
- Height
- at 36,000 ft
- Aircraft
- B737
- Turbulence
- moderate
- Remarks
- zdvwc
- C700 at 16,000 ft, 23 nm southeast, 2:55 pm MST (21:55 UTC): moderate turbulence. 445 nm along the route, 23 nm southeast of the line.
as filed, and in English
ASE UA /OV WERNR/TM 2155/FL160/TP C700/TB MOD
- Report
- a routine report filed through ASE
- Where
- wernr
- Time
- 21:55 UTC
- Height
- at 16,000 ft
- Aircraft
- C700
- Turbulence
- moderate
- A21N at 33,000 ft, 34 nm northwest, 3:35 pm MST (22:35 UTC): moderate turbulence, remarks: mountain wave +25-30KTS. 485 nm along the route, 34 nm northwest of the line.
as filed, and in English
HDN UA /OV CHE/TM 2235/FL330/TP A21N/TB MOD/RM MTN WAVE +25-30KTS
- Report
- a routine report filed through HDN
- Where
- over CHE
- Time
- 22:35 UTC
- Height
- at 33,000 ft
- Aircraft
- A21N
- Turbulence
- moderate
- Remarks
- mountain wave +25-30KTS
- A319 at 22,000 ft, 27 nm southeast, 2:42 pm MST (21:42 UTC): moderate chop turbulence, remarks: ZDVWC-13. 524 nm along the route, 27 nm southeast of the line.
as filed, and in English
BJC UA /OV BJC322047/TM 2142/FL220/TP A319/TB MOD CHOP/RM ZDVWC-13
- Report
- a routine report filed through BJC
- Where
- 47 nm northwest (322°) of BJC
- Time
- 21:42 UTC
- Height
- at 22,000 ft
- Aircraft
- A319
- Turbulence
- moderate chop
- Remarks
- ZDVWC-13
- BCS3 at 24,000 ft, 49 nm southeast, 4:28 pm MST (23:28 UTC): moderate turbulence from 22,000 ft to 24,000 ft, remarks: during the descent. 534 nm along the route, 49 nm southeast of the line.
as filed, and in English
DEN UA /OV DEN320045/TM 2328/FL240/TP BCS3/TB MOD 240-220/RM DURD
- Report
- a routine report filed through DEN
- Where
- 45 nm northwest (320°) of DEN
- Time
- 23:28 UTC
- Height
- at 24,000 ft
- Aircraft
- BCS3
- Turbulence
- moderate from 24,000 ft to 22,000 ft
- Remarks
- during the descent
- B738 at 37,000 ft, 50 nm northwest, 2:10 pm MST (21:10 UTC): moderate chop turbulence, remarks: mtw a 40-knot loss of airspeed zdvwc. 584 nm along the route, 50 nm northwest of the line.
as filed, and in English
LAR UA /OV MBW290020/TM 2110/FL370/TP B738/TB MOD CHOP/RM MTW +/-40KT ZDVWC
- Report
- a routine report filed through LAR
- Where
- 20 nm west (290°) of MBW
- Time
- 21:10 UTC
- Height
- at 37,000 ft
- Aircraft
- B738
- Turbulence
- moderate chop
- Remarks
- mtw a 40-knot loss of airspeed zdvwc
- BE9L at 21,000 ft, 29 nm northwest, 4:22 pm MST (23:22 UTC): light chop turbulence above 21,000 ft, moderate icing above 21,000 ft, -21 °C, remarks: zdvwc. 623 nm along the route, 29 nm northwest of the line.
as filed, and in English
DGW UA /OV IIP200020/TM 2322/FL210/TP BE9L/SK BASE 200/TA M21/TB OCNL LGT CHOP 210/IC MOD MIX 210/RM ZDVWC
- Report
- a routine report filed through DGW
- Where
- 20 nm south (200°) of IIP
- Time
- 23:22 UTC
- Height
- at 21,000 ft
- Aircraft
- BE9L
- Sky
- base 20,000 ft
- Temperature
- −21 °C
- Turbulence
- occasional light chop at 21,000 ft
- Icing
- moderate mix at 21,000 ft
- Remarks
- zdvwc
- B38M at 13,000 ft, 20 nm southwest, 2:03 pm MST (21:03 UTC): no icing, overcast up to 13,000 ft, 0 °C, wind 210° at 45 knots, remarks: produced by skypath. At the departure end, 20 nm southwest of the line.
as filed, and in English
GYR UA /OV PXR216021 /TM 2103 /FL130 /TP B38M /SK BKN-OVC-TOP130 /TA 00 /WV 21045KT /IC NEG /RM PRODUCED BY SKYPATH
- Report
- a routine report filed through GYR
- Where
- 21 nm southwest (216°) of PXR
- Time
- 21:03 UTC
- Height
- at 13,000 ft
- Aircraft
- B38M
- Sky
- BKN-OVC-TOP130
- Temperature
- 0 °C
- Wind
- from 210° at 45 knots
- Icing
- none
- Remarks
- produced by skypath
- G280 at 45,000 ft, 4 nm southwest, 4:44 pm MST (23:44 UTC): light to moderate turbulence, remarks: zab fdcs. 158 nm along the route, 4 nm southwest of the line.
as filed, and in English
INW UA /OV INW015040/TM 2344/FL450/TP G280/TB LGT-MOD/RM ZAB FDCS
- Report
- a routine report filed through INW
- Where
- 40 nm north (015°) of INW
- Time
- 23:44 UTC
- Height
- at 45,000 ft
- Aircraft
- G280
- Turbulence
- light to moderate
- Remarks
- zab fdcs
16 more routine reports are on the map.
Winds aloft along the route, and the time en route the forecast for use 20:00–03:00 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 7 forecast points nearest it (PHX, PRC, FMN, GJT, DEN, BFF, RAP). A plus sign is a headwind, a minus sign a tailwind.
| Height | Average wind | Head- or tailwind | Temperature | Ground speed | Time en route | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7,500 ft | 200° at 27 kt | −26 kt | 11 °C | 146 kt | 5 h 13 min | 11:00 pm MDT (05:00 UTC) |
| 9,500 ft | 200° at 31 kt | −30 kt | 10 °C | 150 kt | 5 h 05 min | 10:52 pm MDT (04:52 UTC) |
| 11,500 ft | 210° at 34 kt | −34 kt | 5 °C | 154 kt | 4 h 57 min | 10:44 pm MDT (04:44 UTC) |
| 13,500 ft | 210° at 38 kt | −38 kt | 1 °C | 158 kt | 4 h 49 min | 10:36 pm MDT (04:36 UTC) |
| 15,500 ft | 220° at 42 kt | −42 kt | -4 °C | 162 kt | 4 h 42 min | 10:29 pm MDT (04:29 UTC) |
| 17,500 ft | 220° at 46 kt | −46 kt | -8 °C | 166 kt | 4 h 35 min | 10:22 pm MDT (04:22 UTC) |
| 18,000 ft FL180 | 220° at 47 kt | −47 kt | -9 °C | 167 kt | 4 h 34 min | 10:21 pm MDT (04:21 UTC) |
| 24,000 ft FL240 | 220° at 57 kt | −56 kt | -21 °C | 176 kt | 4 h 20 min | 10:07 pm MDT (04:07 UTC) |
| 30,000 ft FL300 | 230° at 62 kt | −60 kt | -31 °C | 180 kt | 4 h 14 min | 10:01 pm MDT (04:01 UTC) |
| 34,000 ft FL340 | 240° at 64 kt | −59 kt | -37 °C | 179 kt | 4 h 15 min | 10:02 pm MDT (04:02 UTC) |
| 39,000 ft FL390 | 240° at 60 kt | −54 kt | -46 °C | 174 kt | 4 h 23 min | 10:10 pm MDT (04:10 UTC) |
Based on data from the 11th at 18:00 UTC; valid on the 12th at 00:00 UTC for use 20:00 to 03:00 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHX | used from 0 nm out; 25 nm from the line | 210/19 | 210/20 14° | 200/20 6° | 210/40 1° | 220/58 -8° | 220/68 -20° | 220/82 -26° | 230/83 -34° | 230/69 -46° |
| PRC | used from 49 nm out; 59 nm from the line | 200/36 6° | 210/46 0° | 220/60 -10° | 220/75 -19° | 220/66 -26° | 230/70 -33° | 230/59 -45° | ||
| FMN | used from 148 nm out; 108 nm from the line | 220/25 13° | 220/28 4° | 210/51 -9° | 220/59 -21° | 230/78 -30° | 230/77 -36° | 230/66 -46° | ||
| GJT | used from 297 nm out; 68 nm from the line | 210/40 11° | 210/46 3° | 210/61 -10° | 210/68 -22° | 220/57 -29° | 230/59 -36° | 240/66 -46° | ||
| DEN | used from 495 nm out; 88 nm from the line | 190/31 16° | 210/32 7° | 240/41 -8° | 230/47 -21° | 240/56 -32° | 250/65 -37° | 250/61 -47° | ||
| BFF | used from 544 nm out; 93 nm from the line | 120/24 | 180/31 13° | 210/26 7° | 230/25 -7° | 240/41 -20° | 230/52 -36° | 250/56 -41° | 260/57 -45° | |
| RAP | used from 692 nm out; 44 nm from the line | 120/15 12° | 180/22 11° | 220/26 5° | 230/35 -9° | 240/40 -22° | 240/50 -37° | 240/51 -41° | 240/47 -47° |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHX Phoenix, AZ | departure | VFR Sky: a few clouds at 4,500 feet, a few clouds at 7,500 feet, scattered clouds at 10,000 feet | from the west (270°) at 14 knots | 10+ mi | none | 1,134 ft | 3:51 pm MST (22:51 UTC) |
| PAN Payson, AZ | 59 nm out, 4 nm southeast of the line | VFR Sky: a few clouds at 8,500 feet | from the south-southwest (210°) at 12 knots, gusting to 18 | 10+ mi | none | 5,160 ft | 23:35 UTC |
| INW Winslow, AZ | 119 nm out, 7 nm southeast of the line | VFR | from the south-southwest (200°) at 33 knots, gusting to 48 | 8 mi | none | 4,941 ft | 22:56 UTC |
| CEZ Cortez, CO | 287 nm out, 20 nm southeast of the line | VFR Sky: a few clouds at 7,500 feet, scattered clouds at 9,000 feet | from the south-southwest (210°) at 26 knots, gusting to 36 | 10+ mi | none | 5,917 ft | 22:53 UTC |
| AJZ Delta, CO | 376 nm out, 7 nm west of the line | reported, no category | from the west-southwest (240°) at 9 knots | 8,000 ft | 5,193 ft | 23:35 UTC | |
| EGE Eagle, CO | 445 nm out, 10 nm southeast of the line, tower | VFR Sky: overcast at 11,000 feet | from the west (270°) at 20 knots, gusting to 27 | 10+ mi | 11,000 ft | 6,547 ft | 22:56 UTC |
| SBS Steamboat Springs, CO | 495 nm out, 18 nm northwest of the line | VFR Sky: a broken layer at 10,000 feet | from the southwest (230°) at 16 knots, gusting to 23 | 10+ mi | 10,000 ft | 6,882 ft | 23:35 UTC |
| LAR Laramie, WY | 564 nm out, 3 nm south of the line | VFR | from the south-southeast (160°) at 20 knots, gusting to 31 | 10+ mi | none | 7,283 ft | 22:53 UTC |
| GUR Guernsey, WY | 633 nm out, 3 nm southeast of the line, tower | VFR Sky: a few clouds at 25,000 feet | from the east-southeast (120°) at 12 knots, gusting to 20 | 9 mi | none | 4,401 ft | 22:55 UTC |
| CUT Custer, SD | 732 nm out, 9 nm northwest of the line | VFR | from the east (080°) at 5 knots | 10+ mi | none | 5,619 ft | 22:53 UTC |
| RAP Rapid City, SD | destination | marginal VFR Sky: a broken layer at 1,900 feet | from the north-northeast (030°) at 8 knots | 10+ mi | 1,900 ft | 3,203 ft | 5:05 pm MDT (23:05 UTC) |
The highest airport on this list sits at 7,283 ft; the ground between airports is higher still. Check the sectional chart for the terrain and the minimum safe heights along the line.
At RAP when you get there the forecast at the estimated arrival, 10:01 pm MDT (04:01 UTC)
Wind from the east at 8 knots, visibility more than 6 miles, scattered clouds at 1,800 feet, a broken layer at 9,000 feet VFR
30% chance between Sun 9:00 pm MDT (03:00 UTC) and 2:00 am MDT (08:00 UTC): light rain showers, scattered clouds at 800 feet, a broken layer at 1,500 feet marginal VFR
The whole forecast for RAP
- From Sun 6:00 pm MDT (00:00 UTC): wind from the east at 8 knots, visibility more than 6 miles, scattered clouds at 1,800 feet, a broken layer at 9,000 feet
- 30% chance between Sun 9:00 pm MDT (03:00 UTC) and 2:00 am MDT (08:00 UTC): light rain showers, scattered clouds at 800 feet, a broken layer at 1,500 feet
- From Mon 2:00 am MDT (08:00 UTC): wind from the south-southeast at 10 knots, gusting to 20, visibility 5 miles, mist, a broken layer at 800 feet
- From Mon 10:00 am MDT (16:00 UTC): wind from the north-northwest at 20 knots, gusting to 30, visibility more than 6 miles, a few clouds at 1,500 feet, scattered clouds at 3,500 feet
The forecast for PHX, the departure
- From Sun 5:00 pm MST (00:00 UTC): wind from the west at 11 knots, gusting to 22, visibility more than 6 miles, showers nearby, scattered clouds at 6,000 feet, a broken layer at 7,000 feet
- From Sun 7:00 pm MST (02:00 UTC): wind from the west at 12 knots, visibility more than 6 miles, scattered clouds at 6,000 feet, a broken layer at 7,000 feet
- From Sun 10:00 pm MST (05:00 UTC): wind from the south-southeast at 11 knots, visibility more than 6 miles, a few clouds at 4,000 feet, scattered clouds at 7,000 feet
- From Mon 2:00 am MST (09:00 UTC): wind from the east-southeast at 10 knots, visibility more than 6 miles, a few clouds at 4,000 feet, scattered clouds at 7,000 feet
- From Mon 9:00 am MST (16:00 UTC): wind from the south at 11 knots, gusting to 20, visibility more than 6 miles, scattered clouds at 4,000 feet, a broken layer at 7,000 feet
- From Mon 1:00 pm MST (20:00 UTC): wind from the west-southwest at 14 knots, gusting to 22, visibility more than 6 miles, showers nearby, scattered clouds at 5,000 feet, a broken layer at 7,000 feet
- From Mon 7:00 pm MST (02:00 UTC): wind from the west-southwest at 9 knots, visibility more than 6 miles, showers nearby, scattered clouds at 5,000 feet, a broken layer at 7,000 feet
- From Mon 10:00 pm MST (05:00 UTC): wind from the east-southeast at 7 knots, visibility more than 6 miles, showers nearby, scattered clouds at 5,000 feet, a broken layer at 7,000 feet
Temporary flight restrictions on the line or within 25 nm of it
No temporary flight restriction on or near this route right now.
Daylight
Sunset at PHX 5:58 pm MST (00:58 UTC), at RAP 6:13 pm MDT (00:13 UTC) (civil twilight ends 6:42 pm MDT (00:42 UTC)). At 120 knots the arrival at RAP is after sunset there (6:15 pm MDT (00:15 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: Phoenix Sky Harbor International, Rapid City Regional.