First flight

Yes, yet another post :) - these first few days are pretty slow (for me at least!), so I have plenty of time to blog :)
This morning we had a regulations and safety meeting out at the airport with the Chilean officials. I got my own ID security badge, so that we do not have to go through airport security everytime we go out to the plane(s).
The first research flight is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon - it will be a short one, only 2-4 hrs or so.
Here's the flight plan:


C-130 Flight Plan
VOCALS Research Flight #1
Location: Arica, Chile (18°20´55"S, 070°20´19"W)
October 15th 2008
Mission Scientist: Rob Wood
Take-off time: afternoon, precise time TBD
Mission Type: Shakedown/local recce

1. Climb out to maximum altitude (~20000 ft) at science climb rate of 1000 ft/min. Head out in straight line between Arica and 20°S, 75°W.
2. 15 minute run towards 20°S, 75°W at maximum altitude
3. Profile down to lowest level at 1000 ft/min
4. 10 minute straight and level runs below cloud, in-cloud, and in the lower free-troposphere in polluted and unpolluted layers, with 1000 ft/min climbs/descents between legs
5. Repeat #4 one more time
6. Turn around, head home carrying out runs at different altitudes above cloud, as specified by mission scientist on outbound leg.