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The flight track maps that appear here are examples of actual flight patterns that are typically observed during the various weather systems in the Portland area. The prevailing winds in Portland are from the east out of the Columbia Gorge during the fall and winter months (from about October to March), and from the west off of the ocean during the spring and summer months (April to September).
All aircraft must take off and land into the wind, so for approximately six months of the year the typical patterns are landing from the west and departing to the east (fall/winter) and landing from the east and departing to the west (spring/summer) the other six months of the year. It is important to note that these wind patterns are very general, and may vary from day to day depending on other atmospheric conditions. However, the majority of the aircraft traffic flow will be as outlined during either the summer or winter periods.
During the winter months Portland sometimes experiences strong weather systems that come through the area from the south. If this happens, it will usually occur sometime during the October-to-March timeframe. With the strong winds associated with these systems, the typical patterns are landing from the north and departing to the south.
If you have questions about a particular flight pattern over your home, please call our noise hot line. In Oregon, call 503.460.4100, in Washington, call 1.800.938.6647.
Typical East Flow Patterns
Typical West Flow Patterns
Typical Cross Wind Patterns
Typical East Flow Patterns
Typical West Flow Patterns
Typical Cross Wind Patterns |