|
|
Greetings!
Welcome to the winter issue of Flightlines! I’m excited to share more about the important work our team has been doing since the last issue.
While hurricane season officially ended on Nov. 30, our work continues. We’re not flying into the eye of storms, but our crews have been hard at work on missions both across the U.S. and internationally. Although many things are changing, our dedication to NOAA’s mission of science, service, and stewardship remains the same.
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to give you an inside look at our fleet during NOAA Fleet Week from April 7-11, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about our aircraft and the dedicated crews that keep them flying.
I’m looking forward to sharing more with you in our next issue. Thank you for your continued support!
-Skipper
Capt. Nate Kahn, NOAA Corps
Commanding Officer
NOAA Aircraft Operations Center
|
|
NOAA deploys P-3 to support weather satellite data validation mission
This winter, a NOAA WP-3D Orion deployed to Shannon, Ireland, to fly into extratropical cyclones in the North Atlantic. The flights are part of an ongoing NOAA Satellite and Information Service project to calibrate and validate data collected by weather satellite sensors and to test new remote sensing technologies. The project, known as “Ocean Winds,” helps scientists and engineers improve the quality and consistency of satellite-based weather data used in forecasting and modeling. This is the fourth year NOAA has conducted this project from Ireland.
Join lead scientist Dr. Paul Chang to learn more about the Ocean Winds project.
|
NOAA Twin Otter conducts survey over DCA plane crash site
Following the aircraft collision over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, a NOAA Twin Otter conducted LIDAR (light detection and ranging) survey flights over the crash site to support NOAA’s National Ocean Service response and recovery efforts. During the flights, scientists from NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey used laser pulses to accurately measure distances to objects, creating detailed three-dimensional models of surfaces.
|
NOAA G-IV collects crucial atmospheric rivers data
The NOAA Gulfstream IV-SP jet deployed to Hawaii in January and February to gather crucial data on atmospheric rivers. The data is vital to giving forecasters, water managers and the public up to five days’ advance notice of the extreme precipitation headed their way, which can result in flash flooding, mudslides and catastrophic damage. Learn more about how NOAA studies atmospheric rivers here.
Go “Behind the Brief” with Flight Meteorologist Samantha Timmers and learn how our crews prepare for an atmospheric rivers mission.
|
Discover how NOAA King Air conducts Ice Seals surveys
The NOAA King Air plays a crucial role in the Bering and Chukchi Seas Ice Seals Surveys. Flying at 1,000 feet, its specialized equipment captures geotagged imagery that supports NOAA’s long-term conservation and research goals. Using advanced AI and photogrammetry systems, these missions gather vital data on seal populations, habitats, and health.
To learn more about the Ice Seals Surveys, watch our video showcasing the King Air in action.
|
Heritage: History of Snow Survey
AOC has a long history of supporting the National Weather Service’s Snow Survey project, which is crucial in collecting snow-water equivalent data for flood, water supply, and drought forecasting. In the past, NOAA utilized a AC-500S Shrike Commander equipped with gamma radiation detection equipment to collect this essential data.
|
Featured Photo
 Rear Adm. Chad Cary and Rear Adm. Amanda Goeller visit the Aircraft Operations Center for the annual safety conference. Credit: Thomas Iddings, NOAA
On the Radar
As our aircraft wrap up their winter missions, we are gearing up for exciting opportunities this spring.
Join us at this year’s Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo! Visit us for an exciting opportunity to meet our pilots and staff at our exhibit booth.
Mark your calendars for this year’s NOAA Fleet Week from April 7-11 for virtual “behind the scenes” access to the NOAA fleet. Learn more about our platforms and people behind NOAA’s science, service, and stewardship mission.
We are looking forward to sharing accomplishments from our winter season with you in the next issue of Flightlines. You can subscribe to the newsletter by signing up here and be sure to follow us on social media!
www.facebook.com/NOAAHurricaneHunters
www.twitter.com/NOAA_HurrHunter
Find us on Instagram @FlyNOAA
|
|
|
|
