7.0 OPERATIONS

7.1 Functional Organization

The PEM-Tropics B is a research project within the NASA Global Tropospheric Experiment (GTE) series, managed and funded through the Tropospheric Chemistry Program in the Earth Science Enterprise Office (ESEO). The Program Manager for the Tropospheric Chemistry Program serves as the PEM-Tropics B Program Manager. The PEM-Tropics B project activities are managed by the GTE Project Office at NASA's Langley Research Center (LaRC).

The functional organization for implementing GTE/PEM-Tropics B is shown in Figure 7.1. Names, organization and telephone numbers of all project and investigator personnel are provided in Appendix H. A brief description of the PEM-Tropics B team responsibilities for major functional elements follows:

Program Manager: The PEM-Tropics B Program Manager provides oversight to ensure that the research activities of PEM-Tropics Are in concert with the objectives of the ESEO. The Program Manager will be the point of contact for coordinating the research activities of PEM-Tropics B with other collaborating U.S. and foreign agencies, if applicable. The Program Manager will be an ex-officio member of the PEM-Tropics B Science Team.

Project Manager: The GTE Project manager will be responsible for the overall management and coordination of resources provided to meet the scientific objectives of the PEM-Tropics mission. These responsibilities will include (a) interaction with the Tropospheric Chemistry Program management and the management of other collaborating agencies and Science Teams; (b) overall direction of project planning, schedules, and field operations; (c) providing for the timely transmittal of all data collected by the Project into the LaRC DAAC; and (d) acquisition and reporting of base measurements in support of the mission goals. The Project Manager will be assisted by the Mission Scientists, Mission Meteorologists and by the project staff. The Project manager will be an ex-officio member of the PEM-Tropics B Science Team.

Co-Mission Scientists: Responsible for guidance of all scientific aspects of the expedition, including being the chief spokespersons for the project, co-chairing Science Team meetings, and establishing with the Project Manager and PIs, the detailed flight objectives and requirements. The Co-Mission Scientists will also be responsible for overall guidance to the PEM-Tropics B Science Team and for publication of the mission results. The Co-Mission Scientists are responsible, with the advice of the Science Team, for assisting the Aircraft Managers in the preparation of each mission flight plan

Co-Mission Meteorologists: Responsible for the coordination of all meteorological functions, including forecasting and planning for all aircraft flights and all data products. Also for determining and, with the Expedition Manager, arranging for meteorological support at the deployment sites. Chair Science Team meetings in absence of Co-Mission Scientists.

Figure 7.1 PEM-Tropics B Functional Organization

Principal Investigators: Responsible for the instrumentation as well as data gathering, reduction, a analyses, archival and publication. Also, to contribute to the mission planning process to ensure the best operational use of their individual experiments for the overall science objectives of the PEM-Tropics B mission. Determining instrumentation support requirements at the deployment sites and submitting them to the Logistics Manager.

Expedition Manager: Responsible for establishing and coordinating support operations at deployment sites, oversight of logistics activities, preparation of expedition plan, determining special support requirements, determining operational procedures, and performing the duties of the Project Manager in his absence. Also, in concert with the NASA Office of External Affairs and the U.S. Department of State, determine and assure compliance with host country requirements for mission operations.

Aircraft Managers: Responsible for installation of approved PI and Project instrumentation aboard their respective aircraft. Responsible for flight scheduling and for coordination of flight planning activities between Co-Mission Scientists and aircraft flight crew. Responsible for in-flight communications between the science team and the aircraft crew. Responsible for aircraft payload layout, hazard analysis, engineering reviews, and inspections. Coordinates payload installation and check-out, and payload removal. Obtains safety and flight readiness approvals and aircraft diplomatic clearances. Responsible for direct aircraft logistical support, aircraft customs clearances, and transport of aircrew and aircraft science staff to and from airport and hotel upon initial arrival and final departure at each site.

Logistics Manager: Responsible for all (except direct aircraft) logistical support throughout the expedition, especially for arrangements for shipping, lodging, travel, personnel and equipment transportation at intensive sites, procurement of project-furnished expendables, and travel expenses for non-NASA and non-foreign participants. Responsible for determining and implementing badging requirements at all sites.

Meteorological Measurements Manager: Responsible for the assisting the Mission Meteorologists in the assembly, compilation, forecasting, generation, distribution and archival of meteorological information for real time and post-mission use.

Project Measurements Investigator: Responsible for the operation of instrumentation for Project furnished measurements, and the associated data acquisition and dissemination to other PIs. Also responsible for data analysis, reporting, and submission to the Data Products Manager for archiving

Instrument Integration Manager: Responsible for assisting the Aircraft Manager(s) in the scheduling and coordination associated with the integration of experiments aboard the aircraft, and works with the Co-Mission Scientists and PIs to meet mission flight objectives. Is senior Project Office representative in the absence of the Project and Expedition Managers

Data Manager: Responsible for the receipt, assembling, archiving, and distribution of PI-submitted and Project data.

In addition, a GTE Project Office person will serve as the On-Site Manager at each of the intensive operations sites (Hawaii, Christmas Island, Tahiti, Fiji) who will coordinate mission operations and logistics.

7.2 Instrument Integration

Integration of instrumentation aboard the P-3B will occur at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility and for the DC-8 at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. The appropriate Aircraft Manager is responsible for all phases of this activity. This section will describe procedures and policies for each integration site.

7.2.1 General Procedures

Prior to the arrival of experimenters and their equipment at the integration sites, each experiment team must submit an Experimenter Integration Questionnaire to their Aircraft Manager. This document will be used to develop payload hazard analyses, electrical load schedules, mission peculiar cost estimates, data distribution requirements, and laboratory requirements.

Inspections begin at the arrival of an experiment and continue throughout the integration period. To assure success with inspections, experimenters should consult frequently with aircraft inspectors regarding the use of hardware, fasteners, and cable ties. An Integration Engineer will be available to assist in the design and fabrication of any required mounting brackets and clips, and to advise on problems discovered during inspection. A daily integration status meeting, chaired by the Aircraft Manager, will keep the experimenter abreast of upcoming milestones and offer a forum for requests for assistance. Timely action will be initiated to resolve problems that may delay the installation schedule.

Storage bins in which small test equipment, tools, notes, tapes, etc. may be stored are available for panel mounting on the PI racks. The Aircraft Manager will arrange for these bins on request.

Operation of all equipment should be checked out in the laboratory. Power connectors for both 60 and 400-Hz, identical to those used in the aircraft, are available. These connectors should be used to ensure that assembled equipment, in each rack, would not trip the GFI devices in the aircraft.

7.2.2 Hangar Safety and Emergency

At DFRC and WFF experimenters work in an environment generally unavailable to the public. The laboratories are housed in hangers containing other aircraft, and it is sometimes necessary to walk through the hanger and on to the ramp area. The following precautions must be observed:

(1) No Smoking in the hanger, on the ramp, or aboard the grounded aircraft.

(2) Look out for cables, hoses, boxes, tow bars, moving vehicles, and movement of the hanger doors when crossing the hanger floor.

(3) Do not walk directly across the ramp. Travel along the edges of the ramp when entering or exiting the DC-8 or P-3B outside.

(4) Do not approach aircraft with engines running. Jet exhaust or prop wash is dangerous for a considerable distance behind the aircraft.

(5) Review posted evacuation procedures for hydrazine emergencies (Dryden).

IN AN EMERGENCY

If an DFRC or WFF employee is not available for immediate assistance,
dial this number from any phone.

Dryden- 911 Wallops- 1333

For Emergency Aid,
Fire, Accident, Etc.

This emergency number is available at any hour. Callers should also be able to describe their location (e.g. building and room number) so that emergency help can respond promptly.

7.2.3 Inspection

Before any equipment may leave the laboratory for installation in the aircraft, an inspection is required for it's compliance with all safety requirements. The inspectors are generally available throughout the check-out period, and they should be asked for advice and assistance regarding the need for straps, trays, or other special restraints during the process of assembly. They also look for other safety hazards, such as equipment with sharp or projecting edges, and they will request that such hazards be corrected (e.g. padding with a suitable material). The inspection will also cover conformity to electrical safety requirements. The inspector will check to see that all the cabling is properly secured and protected against abrasion. A check will be made to ensure proper equipment operation without tripping the Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) devices.

Each item of equipment placed aboard the aircraft must be weighed and it's weight marked on it (removable tape may be used). The total calculated weight and the overturning moment of each rack can then be readily checked by an inspector. Scales are available in or adjacent to the work area.

7.2.4 Installation of Instruments

Following inspection and approval, aircraft technicians will transport and install the equipment aboard the aircraft. They will be working to the cabin layout drawings and time schedule provided by the Aircraft Manager. The experimenters or their representative must be present during installation to advise and assist as necessary. Following the mechanical installation, the Electronic Technicians will work with the experimenter. They will complete the cabling installation from the aircraft systems to the experiment, and they will advise as requested on cabling between racks and other experiment equipment.

No work may be done in the aircraft unless a crewman or other designated representative is present. (Aircraft doors may not be opened or closed by any experiment personnel). The aircraft is usually available on a two-shift basis, from 7:30 AM to 11:30 PM. Additional time, including weekends, requires overtime for the ground crew and must be arranged for in advance with the Aircraft Manager. Budgetary limitations may preclude time in excess of two shifts on a five-day-week basis.

If special positioning of the aircraft is required for experiment alignment or checkout, the Aircraft Manager should be notified a week or more in advance. This will allow time for obtaining the proper approval, and scheduling of ramp activities. Laser tests may require NASA approvals, which often require several weeks time.

7.2.5 Electrical Power

Power is normally available on the aircraft for checkout when the aircraft is in the hanger or parked on the ramp. At these times, power comes from the ground generators producing 400-Hz ac. The stability of these sources is not necessarily as well controlled as the aircraft engine generators used in flight. Power in 60-Hz form is obtained from the electronic converters in the aircraft, or from an external source of ground power.

Power distribution in the aircraft is controlled from the Aircraft Manager's station. Experimenters are not authorized to switch power at this location. Upon request, one of the aircraft Electronics Technicians, the Aircraft Manager, his assistant, or a member of the ground crew will switch power to the appropriate station.

Due to periodic maintenance and/or installation procedures, the ground crew may need to shut down electrical power for short periods of time. If power is needed for an uninterrupted period of time for checkout of experimenter equipment within the aircraft, the Aircraft Manager must be advised well in advance. This will allow the work of the ground crew on the aircraft to be coordinated with experimenter's needs.

The Aircraft Manager will designate a time for a power check of all experiments. Each experiment's power station will be turned on separately to make current measurements at the Aircraft Manager’s console. This procedure is necessary to balance loads among the 60-Hz converters, and to minimize interference among experiments from power transients.

If EMI is a concern, the experimenter should request simultaneous operation of several experiments to determine if any problems exist.

7.2.6 Weight and Balance

Following equipment installation, before any mission flights, the aircraft will be weighed and the balance calculated to determine the center of gravity. Thereafter, weight and location of any equipment that is added or removed must be noted on the record sheet for that purpose, posted near the front door of the aircraft. This procedure is necessary to maintain the current weight and balance record. Each experimenter is responsible for his own equipment, and must post entries when items are removed (even for short periods of time) or returned.

7.2.7 Aircraft Safety and Inspection

While working in the aircraft on the ground, all participants must observe the following safety rules:

(1) No Smoking - aboard the aircraft, in the hanger, or on the ramp.

(2) No Electric Drills - or other tools with universal electric motors may be used in the aircraft. Air-driven drills are available during this period

(3) Only Small, Pencil-Type Soldering Irons - and electronic-grade rosin-core solder may be used on the aircraft.

(4) No High Wattage Heat Guns - are permitted on the aircraft. If it becomes necessary to heat shrink insulation, the material must be taken off the airplane, where such treatment can be performed safely.

(5) No Volatile Solvents - of any kind, are permitted without prior approval of the Aircraft Manager.

The inspectors will recheck each experiment installation on the aircraft for full conformity with all safety regulations. Any deficiencies will be noted on an inspection sheet and attached to each rack. These must be signed-off before the first flight.

7.2.8 Integration Schedule

Integration activity milestones for the P-3B and DC-8 are included in figures 7.2.8-1 and 7.2.8-2

7.2.9 Aircraft Floor Plans

Figures 4.1-1 and 4.1-2 show experiment locations aboard the DC-8 and P-3B.

7.2.10 Supplies and Expendables at Integration Sites

In general, the NASA GTE Project Office provides only commonly used expendables such as liquid nitrogen and dry ice. Dewars and transfer tubes must be provided by the users. Specialized gases and supplies unique to an experiment are the responsibility of the investigator teams. Requirements for expendables, shipping, and laboratory space requested by the PIs are listed in Appendix I

7.2.11 Visitor Control

Personnel at Dryden or Wallops for integration activities will have badges issued at the Badge and Pass Office listing the point of contact (Chris Miller, Dryden; Doug Young, Wallops) and other pertinent information. The face of the badge may or may not include a reference to the airplane. The badge is to be visible at all times while on the Center. This badge will also be used to determine whether a person can be on the aircraft. This badge should be with aircraft passengers throughout the mission.

Figure 7.2.8-1 P-3B Integration and Deployment Schedule

Figure 7.2.8-2 DC-8 Integration and Deployment Schedule

7.3 Experiment On-board Hardware

Tables M.1-1 and M.2-2 summarize experiment hardware aboard the P-3B and DC-8, respectively. The weight given includes all weight associated with the experiment: rack, instrumentation, exhaust(s), inlet(s), gas bottles, passenger(s), seat(s), dewars, pumps, personal equipment, etc. The first number given in the "number of operators" column indicates the number of operators during a transit flight and the second number given indicates the number of operators during intensive flights. The "blue boxes" column indicates the number and size of box. The "external mounts" column indicates the number of inlets (through flow), number of probes (no flow), the number of nadir/zenith sensors, and the number of other appendages. In the "exhaust ports" column the number of exhausts with and without venturis is indicated. In the "type power" column, the voltage is indicated first and the frequency in hertz is indicated second.

7.4 Aircraft Operation Sites

The P-3B and DC-8 aircraft will have combined overnight stopovers or operational stays at 7 different sites (see Table 7.4). Appendix L presents relevant information about each site. Examples are: lodging location and phone number; per diem allowances; electrical voltage and frequency; international phone access numbers; US embassy or consulate locations and phone numbers; and time zone information.

Table 7.4. PEM-Tropics B Operations Sites

7.5 Logistics

During the field deployment of PEM-Tropics B, the GTE Project Office provides the logistical arrangements and the cost for shipping investigator equipment to and from the investigator's laboratory and the aircraft integration site, and to and from the investigator's laboratory and the intensive field deployment sites. For the P-3B aircraft the intensive sites are Christmas Island and Tahiti. For the DC-8 the intensive sites are Hilo, Hawaii; Tahiti, and Fiji. Shipments to other sites as necessary for transit flights are included. Shipments to all sites will be via surface transportation where and when possible. At some locations, air cargo transport will be necessary.

The Project Office will also obtain hotel accommodations at each deployment site, plus meeting rooms and field laboratory facilities as required at each intensive deployment site. The Project Office will also make arrangements for such general items as liquid nitrogen and dry ice.

Travel costs associated with participation of non-NASA PEM-Tropics B investigators in planning meetings will be paid by the GTE Project Office through Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), the prime contractor for GTE. Travel costs directly attributed to the field deployment of PEM-Tropics B will also be paid by the GTE Project Office through SAIC for non-NASA PEM-Tropics investigators. Travel costs for NASA employees will be covered by their home organization. Shipping costs for all investigations are covered by the GTE Project Office.

7.5.1 Shipping

Both the DC-8 and P-3B have very limited space for storing support equipment and supplies on board. Therefore, the SAIC GTE Project Office will coordinate separate sea and air shipments to pre-stage the support equipment and supplies for all investigators.

Shipping Agent: The Pasha Group was contracted by SAIC GTE Project Office to coordinate and expedite both foreign and domestic shipping. Pasha will arrange for pickup of equipment and supplies at the PI location for delivery to DFRC and/or WFF and to the intensive sites. Pasha’s overseas agents will expedite shipments through customs and handle return shipment operations.

Advance Shipping-Ocean: Advance boat shipments will be made to Honolulu and Hilo, Hawaii; Papeete, Tahiti; and Nadi, Fiji. All equipment and supplies needed at the intensive sites and not needed for experiment integration at DFRC or WFF should be included in these shipments.

Deployment Shipping-Air: Because of severe weight constraints on the P-3B, the NASA GTE Project Office will arrange for an air freight cargo plane to support of P-3B aircraft operations from Wallops departure to all sites through operations at Tahiti. The support will include ferrying personal luggage and P-3B spare parts to all P-3B sites, plus "Blake Snakes" and cryogenics to Christmas Island, followed by air an shipment to Tahiti. All deployment shipped equipment will be returned to the US via air freight.

Shipping Between Intensive Field Sites: Except as mentioned above, no shipping is planned between sites. Individuals flying on commercial airlines may transport equipment as personal luggage subject to normal constraints and charges.

Return Shipments: In general, all pre-deployment shipping will be returned to the US surface transport.

Blake Snake Shipments: Shipment of the "Blake Snakes" to and from the DC-8 or P-3B deployment sites will be via commercial air means. The SAIC GTE Project Office will assist in the handling of these snakes primarily with financial support and with transportation at the operation sites when requested. In general, UCI will coordinate with a commercial transport company to move the snakes from UCI through U.S. Customs to Los Angeles International Airport. Both the company and the U.S. Customs may charge fees and duties. UCI couriers will escort the snakes aboard commercial airliners to the intensive sites to meet either the DC-8 or the P-3B. The snakes travel as excess baggage and are subject to further airline charges and fees. Return trips occur in reverse order.

SAIC GTE project office will provide special travel advances to the UCI couriers, the UCI P-3B and DC-8 principal investigators (PIs), and a UCI designated representative who will oversee the snake operation at Irvine, CA. In addition to normal lodging and per diem estimates, these advances will include estimated commercial transport costs, customs fees, and excess baggage charges. The courier has the primary responsibility for the excess baggage fees, while the advances given to the UCI P-3B and DC-8 PIs will serve as a reserve "snake" fund. In the event of an emergency, the SAIC GTE Project Office personnel will pay for the shipment. SAIC GTE Project Office personnel can also arrange for on-site labor and transportation assistance if required and will attempt to obtain large rental cars or minivans at each site for the UCI team.

Christmas Island: On March 1, 1999, UCI will position up to 40 snakes on Christmas Island using the NASA-arranged air cargo plane. These snakes will replace the snakes having been expended aboard the P-3B to that point and serve as a reservoir for local flights from Christmas Island. For outbound shipments, UCI P-3B personnel on Christmas Island will load "full snakes" aboard the Air Kiribati charter flight to Honolulu. SAIC project office personnel can arrange for on-site labor and transportation assistance, if necessary. Pasha's local agent in Honolulu will meet the charter aircraft and escort the snakes on to a connecting LAX commercial airliner. The local agent will then contact a UCI representative at Irvine to let him know that the snakes are inbound. Pasha's local agent can also meet inbound aircraft from Hilo, if no courier is escorting the snakes. UCI participants must inform the local SAIC Project Office representative if this service is required.

UCI responsibilities:

Designate a point contact for snake shipping and receiving at Irvine, CA

Specify responsible courier at each location

Coordinate with a local Los Angeles transport company to carry the snakes to/from the UCI laboratory

Provide all documentation for snake movement

Ship and handle snakes

SAIC GTE Project Office responsibilities

Provide special snake related travel advances

Assist in snake handling, upon request

Coordinate operations with Pasha's Honolulu agent

 

 

Shipping Responsibilities: In general, the SAIC GTE Project Office will coordinate the shipping operation.

PIs have the responsibility to:

-Maintain shipping weights within Proposal estimates;

-Contact shipping agent (Pasha) for pick-up of domestic/foreign shipping;

-Crate and label shipping items;

-Provide a detailed list of each container’s contents;

-Label and document Hazardous Materials per national and international shipping regulations for overland, air, and sea shipments as applicable;

-Ship emergency items from the US after DC-8 or P-3B deployment;

-Ship samples from foreign sites to analysis labs (project office will assist);

-Obtain any required licenses or permits for shipping specialized equipment (e.g., see shipping of computers);

-Send copies of all shipping lists to the SAIC GTE Project Office;

-Preparing return shipments from each intensive site;

The SAIC GTE Project Office has the responsibility to:

-Coordinate domestic and foreign shipping through a central agent (Pasha);

-Coordinate advanced bulk shipments to Christmas, Tahiti, Easter, Hilo and Nadi

-Coordinate return shipments to the U.S. and the PI labs;

The SAIC Project Office will also assist in coordinating shipping tasks outlined in the "Deployment Shipping-Air" section above.

Payment for Shipping: The freight forwarder’s (Pasha’s) on-site agents will expedite shipments through customs. A GTE account will be established with the freight forwarder, which will be used for all shipping. The GTE account may be charged for all items shipped which are included in PI proposals. All shipping lists should be sent to the SAIC GTE Project Office prior to contacting the shipping agent. The SAIC GTE Project Office will approve each shipment. Detailed shipping instructions were sent to all PIs. See Appendix K.

Shipping Computers: Generally, any U.S. bought computer and ancillary devices can be temporarily exported to support this mission as long as the same is returned upon completion. Some foreign countries require lists for all computers temporarily imported. See Appendix K.

7.5.2 Travel Support Coordination

SAIC Supported Participants: The NASA GTE Project Office, through SAIC, will fund air/ground transportation requirements and travel advances for non-NASA participants in accordance with NASA and SAIC travel regulations. SAIC supported personnel should make their own commercial flight reservations through the SAIC travel office by contacting Leanne Hester at 800-435-1491 or 757-826-3248. Any questions or concerns in regard to SAIC travel office policies or procedures should be addressed to the SAIC GTE Project Office (phone 757-827-4860/4858).

Rental Cars: Rental cars are authorized, for SAIC supported participants, at WFF, DFRC, Christmas Island, Hilo, Easter Island, and Papeete, Tahiti under the guidelines of one vehicle per PI aircraft team. Each team is responsible for making their rental car arrangements at DFRC or WFF. SAIC supported participants should coordinate their reservations through the SAIC travel office. The SAIC GTE Project Office will provide assistance, if requested. SAIC will make the reservations for the PI groups at the other deployment sites. All participants should be prepared to pay for their rental cars. Payments will be reimbursed after travel vouchers have been submitted. NOTE: NASA personnel are not authorized to travel in contractor rental vehicles. However, contractors can be passengers in NASA rental cars. Taxis will be used in Nadi, Fiji; Honolulu, Hawaii; and San Jose, Costa Rica. SAIC will also reimburse SAIC supported participants for public transportation used for official purposes when group transportation is not provided (receipts required).

NASA Participants: These personnel are expected to make travel arrangements according to the procedures of their respective organizations, except for those traveling to Christmas Island via commercial air. SAIC will provide the airline tickets and will be reimbursed by NASA. The Project Office recommends that NASA participants use the same forms of local transportation as cited above for SAIC supported participants. Unless requested otherwise, the SAIC GTE Project Office will make rental car reservations for the NASA teams. NASA personnel should be prepared to pay for their rental cars.

7.5.3 Passports, Visas and Access Badges

Passports: All PEM-Tropics B participants must have a valid passport. According to the US Department of State, some countries require it to be valid for from three to six months after anticipated departure date from their country.

Visas Requirements:

*Since entry requirements have changed frequently for citizens of these countries in the past, it is strongly recommended that citizens of such check with the nearest consulate or embassy for the country in question for current requirements.

The following provides additional entry requirement information for each overseas site, for the nationalities of known or probable PEM-Tropics B participants.

Christmas Island

USA: completed visitor application (provided by SAIC) with a photocopy of the picture page of your valid passport attached to be submitted to the SAIC GTE Project Office for processing.

PRC: Same as USA

Taiwan: Same as USA

Germany: Same as USA

Fiji

USA: Valid passport and, for those not arriving on NASA aircraft, a round trip ticket. A tourist visa will be issued upon arrival.

PRC: Valid passport and visa and, for those not arriving on NASA aircraft, a round trip ticket. A letter from NASA stating reason for visit, length of stay, and guarantee of financial support must accompany visa application. This letter will be provided by the GTE Project Office upon request.

UK, Germany, Taiwan, Canada: Same as USA

Tahiti

USA (Tourist Passport): Valid passport and round trip ticket for those not arriving on NASA aircraft .

USA (Official Passport): Same as above, plus valid visa

PRC: Valid passport and visa and, for those not arriving on NASA aircraft, round trip ticket. Must apply in person at French Embassy or Consulate. A letter from NASA stating reason for visit, length of stay, and guarantee of financial support must accompany visa application (2 weeks to process). The GTE Project Office will provide this letter if requested.

UK and Germany: Same as USA (Tourist Passport)

Easter Island, Chile
Santiago, Chile

USA (Tourist Passport):Valid passport and round trip ticket for those not arriving on NASA aircraft.

USA (Official Passport): Same, plus valid visa.

PRC: Valid passport and round trip ticket for those not arriving on NASA aircraft.

Must apply in person at the Chilean Embassy (not Consulate) and have a contact (name to be provided by GTE Project Office) on Easter Allow 1 week to process.

UK and Germany: No visa required.

Costa Rica:

USA (Tourist Passport):Valid passport and round trip ticket for those not arriving on NASA aircraft.

USA (Official Passport): Same as above, plus valid visa:

UK and Germany: No visa required

PRC:Rigorous requirements. Check http://www.costarica.com/embassy/index.html

Note: Aliens who are permanent residents of the USA (Alien Registration Card holders), can request a visa without the authorization of the Immigration Department of Costa Rica.

The SAIC GTE Project Office will assist in obtaining visas for SAIC supported U.S. participants, if requested. Foreign nationals should check with their embassies or consulates in obtaining visas. Neither NASA nor SAIC Project Office personnel can obtain visas for foreign nationals. The Project Office can provide letters describing the mission and substantiate the applicant’s participation. The Project Office can also support any required travel to an embassy or consulate. NASA and other U.S. Government employees using official passports should check with their own organizational sources for obtaining visas.

Access Badges: In general, access badges and/or personal information sheets are required for PEM-Tropics B operations sites. The SAIC GTE Project Office will coordinate personnel information requirements and submission dates. Badges will be provided for everyone requiring access to the DC-8 or P-3B airport operational areas as required. Hilo requires employment verification and security background checks for unescorted access to the aircraft parking areas. The SAIC GTE Project Office has distributed these forms to all PIs.

All participants should submit eight (8) passport sized photos to the SAIC GTE Project Office. This is a reimbursable expense for both SAIC supported participants and NASA employees.

7.5.4 Personal Baggage on DC-8 and P-3B

Personal baggage is generally of two types: a suitcase stored in the aircraft cargo areas, and carry-on stored in overhead bins or under/beside seats/racks. As yet no weight limits have been imposed for either category on the DC-8. However, because of the more limited payload capacity of the P-3B, with the exception of am "overnight" carry-on (no more that 10 pounds), all personal baggage will be shipped aboard the deployment cargo aircraft to all deployment sites.

7.5.4.1 Storage and Access

Baggage will be stored in the DC-8 cargo bay and will not be accessible in flight. Baggage will be removed from the plane upon arrival at the intensive sites, but will not be removed at the overnight stops. Passengers will be requested to prepare for the overnight stops by packing a carry-on with the necessary items. Carry-on items can be stored in the DC-8 overhead bins. The P-3B has no usable overhead storage bins. As noted in section 7.5.4, personal baggage on the P-3B will be limited to a small carry-on. P-3B carry-ons must be secured under seats or beside racks. The luggage shipped by aboard the P-3B cargo aircraft will not be off-loaded at the overnight stops.

7.5.4.2 Computers

Generally, any U.S. bought computer and ancillary devices can be temporarily exported to support this mission as long as the same is returned upon completion. Some foreign countries require lists for all computers temporarily imported. SAIC GTE Project Office will distribute a form for participants to list all temporarily imported computers.

7.5.5 Lodging/Per Diem

(GSA has published new travel per diem rates effective January 1, 1999. The new rates can be found at the following web site: http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/channelView.do?pageTypeId=8203&channelId=-15943 )

Lodging - WFF Area: All PI’s and mission participants are responsible for all aspects of their own lodging arrangements in WFF area during the integration and downloading phases of the mission. PI’s and participants will deal directly with the hotel or a rental property agency for all required arrangements. SAIC’s GTE Project Office will assist all mission members with lodging coordination. Participants will be responsible for any extra expenses due to failure to notify the hotel of changes. See Appendix J -- Lodging and Ground Transportation -- for a list of hotels in the WFF area.

Per Diem - WFF Area*: Travelers will be reimbursed for lodging bills up to the maximum amount allowed by NASA travel regulations. Lodging receipts must be submitted with expense reports. The current (1998) maximum per diem for lodging for the WFF area is: Jun 1 - Oct 14 -- $61.00, Oct 15 - May 31 -- $50.00. If a room is shared, then the reimbursement amount will not exceed each persons cost of the shared room up to the maximum allowable per person. Please contact SAIC’s Project Office if you have any problems in obtaining rooms at these rates. Receipts are not required for the fixed per diem subsistence (meals and incidentals) rates currently set at $30 year round. Reimbursement for the fixed per diem subsistence amount will be prorated for partial travel days according to NASA travel regulations. The SAIC GTE Project Office will provide cash travel advancements to SAIC supported travelers. These advancements will be made per NASA and SAIC regulations as applicable.

Lodging -DFRC Area: All PI’s and mission participants are responsible for all aspects of lodging arrangements in the DFRC area during the integration and downloading phases of the mission. PI’s and participants will deal directly with the hotel for all to required arrangements. Participants will be responsible for dealing directly with the hotel for all required arrangements. SAIC’s GTE Project Office will assist all mission members with lodging coordination. Participants will be responsible for any extra expenses due to failure to notify the hotel of changes. See Appendix J for a list of hotels in the DFRC area.

Per Diem -DFRC Area*: Travelers will be reimbursed for lodging bills up to the maximum amount allowed by NASA travel regulations. Lodging receipts must be submitted with expense reports. The current (1998) maximum per diem for lodging for the DFRC area is $109.00. If a room is shared, then the reimbursement amount will not exceed each person s cost of the shared room up to the maximum allowable per person. Please contact SAIC’s Project Office if you have any problems in obtaining rooms at these rates. Receipts are not required for the fixed per diem subsistence (meals and incidentals) rates currently set at $42 year round.. Reimbursement for the fixed per diem subsistence amount will be prorated for partial travel days according to NASA travel regulations. SAIC GTE Project Office will provide cash travel advancements to SAIC supported travelers. These advancements will be made per NASA and SAIC regulations as applicable.

Lodging - Intensive Field Sites: The SAIC GTE Project Office selected hotels in Hilo, Hawaii; Christmas Island; Papeete, Tahiti; and Nadi, Fiji based on operational considerations, cost, and availability. SAIC will coordinate all mission participant reservations at these hotels. All participants are expected to stay at the selected hotels. Hotel names, addresses, phone numbers and rates are included in Appendix J. Participants will be responsible for paying their own lodging bills except at Christmas Island. SAIC will use a master account to pay for all lodging and meals at Christmas Island. The NASA Travel office will refund SAIC at a later date for NASA employees. SAIC Project Office will adjust each SAIC sponsored PI's travel advance accordingly. Because of the limited amount of hotel accommodations, it will be required to shared rooms will at Christmas Island.

Per Diem - Intensive Field Sites*: NASA travel regulations treat per diem for foreign travel the same as domestic travel, i.e., lodging reimbursement not to exceed actual expenses up to a maximum amount, and a fixed subsistence allowance. Current allowances (max lodging/subsistence): Christmas Island ($86/$30); Papeete, Tahiti ($122/$63); Nadi, Fiji ($49/$41), Hilo, Hawaii ($80/$52). Reimbursements and advances follow the same procedures as for integration travel discussed above. See Appendix J for information on the intensive site hotels. Participants will be responsible for paying their own hotel bills.

Transit Overnight Stops*: The SAIC GTE Project Office selected hotels in Honolulu, Hawaii; Easter Island; Apia, and Western Samoa, for the transit overnight stops, based on operational considerations, cost, and availability. Lodging accommodations for the DC-8 stopover in San Jose, Costa Rica will be selected by the DC-8 Aircraft Manager. The P-3B will make a short layover at the Dryden Flight Research Center prior to overseas departure. Hotel and transportation are listed in Appendix J. Please see above paragraph concerning DRFC Lodging. All participants are expected to stay at these selected hotels. Hotel names, addresses, phone numbers and rates are included in Appendix J. Participants will be responsible for paying their own hotel bills. NASA travel regulations treat per diem for foreign travel the same as domestic travel, i.e., lodging reimbursement not to exceed actual expenses up to a maximum amount, and a fixed subsistence allowance. Calendar year 1998 allowances (maximum lodging/subsistence): Honolulu, Hawaii ($110/$61); Easter Island, Chile ($82/$66); San Jose, Costa Rica ($1127/$97). Reimbursements and advances follow the same procedures as for integration travel discussed above.

*Allowable per diem rates are the same for all participants. These paragraphs apply to SAIC supported (i.e. non US government) participants but the information should be similar for US government personnel. Some variations may exist for some aspects among various government organizations.

NOTE: The per diem rates provided in this document are based on October 1, 1998 Federal Government standards and are subject to change at any time. The rates in place at the time of actual travel will apply for reimbursement. Rate changes are usually not significant.

7.5.6 Medical Considerations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide guidance for travelers on the web at http://www.cdc.gov./travel/index.htm which the GTE Project Office urges all participants to access. Base upon information at the URL, no immunizations are required for PEM-Tropics B site locations and none are required for reentry into the U.S. Persons with potentially serious medical problems are requested to contact the GTE Expedition Manager to work out contingency plans for medical attention, if the need should arise.

Bottled water is recommended for Chile, Fiji, Tahiti, Easter and Christmas Islands, and will be provided by the Project only on Christmas Island.

Each participant should be aware that NASA and the GTE Project Office does not provide any health or life insurance for personnel involved in the PEM-Tropics B Expedition, although life insurance is available upon application to federal employees. Each individual should determine if and how their present coverage is effected if flying aboard a government aircraft such as the NASA DC-8 or the NASA P-3B. Note also that federal employees are covered 24 hours per day, while in travel status, by the Federal Employees Compensation Act. This act provides compensation for disability due to personal injury sustained while in the performance of duty or to an employment-related disease. Most states provide similar coverage to non-federal employees. When required, one must secure medical attention as appropriate, retain receipts and file a claim after return from the mission.

7.5.7 Supplies and Expendables

In general, the NASA GTE Project Office provides only commonly used expendables such as liquid nitrogen, and dry ice. Dewars and transfer tubes must be provided by the users. Specialized gases and supplies unique to an experiment are the responsibility of the investigator teams. In general, gas bottles at overseas sites are not threaded for the CGA system regulators used in the U.S and adapters may not be available. Requirements for expendables, shipping, and laboratory space requested by the PIs are listed in Appendix I for Christmas Island; Tahiti; Hilo, Hawaii; and Fiji.

7.5.8 Field Communications Systems

The GTE Project Office will be responsible for insuring that the necessary communication systems are available for conducting the PEM-Tropics B mission. In general, this will include, dedicated telephone and fax service at the PEM-Tropics B Operations Centers at each intensive site, although at Christmas Island sharing of these services through the hotel may be required. Additionally, a satellite communication system will be used as the prime communication link for access of meteorological parameters for flight planning. Telephone and fax service will also be installed in the intensive site laboratory facilities when possible.

7.5.8.1 Intensive Sites

Telephone, fax service, and a satellite communication system will be provided by the GTE Project Office at the operations center at each intensive site. Cellular phones may be provided to the Co-Mission Scientists, Aircraft Managers, and project representatives at some sites, depending upon the availability of normal public telephone service. When cellular phones are provided, they are to be used only for local, in-country calls, and only when local telephone service is not available. No long distance telephone calls are to be made on the cellular phones. Use of the satellite system is described in section 7.5.8.5. All of the communication services provided by the GTE Project Office are to be used only for conducting official business related to the PEM-Tropics B mission.

7.5.8.2 Personal Communications

No personal communications or communications related to non-GTE business are to made on the project-provided communications systems.

Personal phone calls will be reimbursed as follows:

Note that government calling card cannot be used for personal calls, however for official business calls, the use of the government card precludes the need for any record keeping.

7.5.8.3 Integration Sites and Transit Site Stops

No special communication systems or services will be provided at the aircraft integration sites or the transit site stops. Reimbursement for calls from these sites will be subject to the same limitations as previously presented for the intensive sites.

7.5.8.4 Internet

Internet access will be established at each operational site through local service providers. The connection at each site, excluding Christmas Island, is anticipated to be via 28.8K modem lines. Limited access may be available through the satellite communication system.

7.5.8.5 Satellite Communication Systems

INMARSAT B: A portable INMARSAT B satellite-based communication station coupled to the "remote-based" PC, will provide the communication link for a high data rate (56/64 KBPS) PC-to-PC transfer of the met products (e.g. calculated and satellite images) stored on the home based PC located at FSU. The system will also provide e-mail access through a LaRC post office.

The communication station will have the capability for voice, Internet connectivity and for direct PC-to-PC high speed data transfer. Because of the high cost of air time, only the PC-to-PC communication will be used, except for emergencies as determined by the GTE Project Office. This method of data transfer will, however, offer a relatively inexpensive method to access and transmit e-mail messages on a limited basis.

PEM-Tropics B investigators may also be able to send and receive e-mail from each remote site via the PC-to-PC data link to LaRC. The GTE Met. Measurements manager (see Figure 7.1) will be the designated operator for the communication system, and will provide a hard copy and an electronic copy of all incoming e-mail messages to each PI team. The e-mail address and details for this link, if available, will be distributed prior to deployment.

The GTE Met. Measurements manager and satellite communication system will travel with the P-3B through Tahiti and then with the DC-8 to Easter Island.

Table 7.5.8.5 gives the azimuth and elevation look angles from the site antenna location to the East (0 deg N, 178 deg E, 35870 km) or the West (0 deg N, 54 deg W, 35870 km) Inmarsat B satellites.

Table 7.5.8.5 Look Angles

Azimuth is measured clockwise from North; elevation is measured up from horizontal.

IRIDIUM: The DC-8 and P-3B planes will be equipped with communications transceivers, which will permit communications through the new IRIDIUM network. Each plane will have an Allied Signal, Inc. AIRSAT 1 communications system which will insure communications at any time between the DC-8 and P-3B and with the ground. Calls may be made to and from land-based phones and to other mobile vehicles, whether or not they are equipped with IRIDIUM system hardware. Calls to locations not equipped with IRIDIUM hardware may provide unsatisfactory communications due to inherent delay times in the circuit loop.

Calls from/to the DC-8 and P-3B will be with the concurrence of the plane Mission Manager and will be only for GTE PEM-Tropics B business. The Mission Manager will hold the "sim" card used to activate the transceiver and enable a call. Airtime charges are assessed for outgoing, as well as incoming, calls. Rates per minute vary and depend upon caller and receiver location, with a rate of $5 per minute not being unusual.

7.6 Intensive Site Support and Meetings

Principle Investigator requested support requirements are included in Appendix I.

7.6.1 Work Areas

An operations center, Science Team meeting room, PI instrument laboratory, equipment storage area, computer room, and meteorological office, will be set-up at each intensive site. The location, hours of operation, and use restrictions of each area and system will be addressed by the GTE Project Office site manager after aircraft arrival.

In general, the operations centers will be equipped with telephones, a fax machine, a copying machine, and other items to support mission operations. The site will be managed by the GTE Project Office site manager who will also coordinate all non-aircraft related site support activities. The computer rooms are intended for the use of investigators for mission data processing and will be equipped with tables and chairs and electrical power. Electrical power characteristics are included in Appendix L. Caution--some of the sites have 50 Hz power that may effect the operation of some computers and most printers. The meteorological offices are intended for the exclusive use of the Mission Meteorologists and staff and will be located at a site of their choosing, but usually one convenient to both the local meteorological office and the Science Team meeting room. The PI laboratories are intended for instrument repair, calibration, etc. and will be located as close as possible to the aircraft parking areas. They will be equipped with tables, or workbenches, chairs and electrical power (Appendix L) and in most cases a telephone. The equipment storage areas will house the advance shipments and be located as close as possible to the PI labs and be accessible to carts for cylinder and equipment transport. The Science Team meeting rooms will, in general, be located at the hotels housing the PEM-Tropics B participants and be large enough to accommodate the entire team. Other meeting rooms will be available to conduct smaller meetings.

7.6.2 Meetings

Meetings during field deployment of PEM-Tropics B will be conducted to; ensure proper exchange of information on schedules, provide updates for local logistical requirements, report aircraft and instrumentation status, review meteorological conditions, discuss science objectives relative to measurements results, and plan mission flight scenarios.

Typically at each deployment site a general status and flight-planning meeting will be convened during the afternoon of each non-flight day. On flight days, a pre-flight status meeting will be convened approximately one hour prior to aircraft door closing on the P-3B and DC-8. A post flight debriefing will be conducted immediately after each flight. The pre-flight and/or post flight briefings may be conducted aboard the aircraft. Upon arrival of each aircraft at a new deployment site, the GTE Expedition Manager (Figure 7.1), or his designee, will conduct an initial "orientation" briefing. All field deployment personnel are welcomed to all meetings, but as least one spokesperson from each PI team is required at the general status/flight planning meeting and at the pre- and post-flight debriefings. No formal meetings will be convened on mission down days.

An important function of the general status/flight planning meeting is the development of the flight plans for the next local or transit flight in accordance with the Expedition objectives addressed in Section 2.0 of this document. Final plans for a flight are required at least twelve hours prior to take off time. The final flight plans will, however, be strongly influenced by meteorological conditions. To facilitate the development and selection of the flight plans, typically, two preliminary flight-planning meetings will be conducted prior to the general status/flight-planning meeting. The first will involve the on-site mission scientists and mission meteorologists. The purpose of this meeting will be to review and select the leading options for the upcoming flight, as well as to consider back-up flight options if appropriate. The second preliminary flight planning meeting will involve mission scientists, mission meteorologists, aircraft navigators, aircraft mission managers, pilots, and the GTE Project Manager or his designee. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the recommendation(s) by the mission scientists for a flight plan, and to develop the draft flight plan that will be reviewed by the Science Team during the general status/flight-planning meeting. Prior to these preliminary flight-planning meetings, the mission scientist will solicit inputs from the PIs relative to potential flight scenarios, and PIs may participate in any of these preliminary meetings. It is anticipated that the recommended flight plan emerging from the preliminary planning will represent the best option for the upcoming flight based on the science objectives and most probable meteorological conditions, and only minor alterations to the flight plan by the Science Team will be required. Usually an alternate flight plan will be developed incorporating different meteorological conditions if such an occurrence is significantly probable.

The general status/flight-planning meetings will also serve as a forum for the Science Team to briefly review results from previous flights. Several special science discussion team meetings will also be scheduled for more focused and in depth reviews of mission results relative to the mission objectives. The schedule for these will depend upon the progress of the field operations. Joint meetings involving both P-3B and DC-8 personnel will be convened at Tahiti.

During the pre-flight status meeting convened before each flight the flight crew and science team will review the latest weather information, flight plans, instrument status, and make a Go/No-Go decision with respect to the prime and alternate flight plans. The Mission Meteorologist(s), Mission Scientists, Aircraft Manager(s), Project Manager or his designee, pilot, and at least on representative from each investigator team are expected to participate.

The post-flight debriefing will be held to review all aspects of the mission from weather conditions to instrument performance, to determine PI aircraft access requirements, and to determine aircraft and instrument readiness for the next scheduled missions. The Aircraft Managers, Mission Scientists and Meteorologists, Project Manager or his designee, Chief Pilot, and at least on representative from each investigator team are expected to participate.

7.6.3 Press Briefings

Press briefings may be scheduled as a result of request from local media. The GTE Project Office will have prepared Press Release Kits for distribution at such briefings. The GTE Project Manager will serve as the main point of contact for the press briefings, however the mission scientists will serve as the primary spokesperson for the Science Team at these briefings. PIs may also be asked to make presentations and/or be available to answer questions or to elaborate on scientific issues. Aircraft tours may also be provided with the approval of the cognizant Aircraft Manager.

7.7 Aircraft Access on Parking Ramp

With the exception of planned down-days, the aircraft will normally be open and power available from 0800 to 1700 local time. At many of the deployment locations, although the aircraft may be open, access will be tightly controlled. Some locations may not permit access to the aircraft by walking, and, therefore, transportation will have to be arranged to and from the aircraft. It is anticipated that a bus schedule will be posted, and any deviations from that schedule will have to be arranged through the Expedition Manager or his designee. On flight days, the aircraft will nominally be accessible about four hours before take-off and will be secured approximately two hours after landing. Access to the aircraft outside of these times must be coordinated with the GTE Project Manager, or his designee, and with approval of the DC-8 or P-3B Aircraft Manager.

Only designated aircraft crewmembers will open the aircraft and operate the power distribution panel controls. Experimental apparatus under power will not be left unattended. Under no circumstances will the aircraft be left open and unattended.

7.7.1 Down Days

On the down-days the aircraft will be closed to allow the entire aircraft crew a day off. No routine access will be granted to the aircraft. However, if mandatory, limited access for instrument "servicing" may be authorized with the approval of the DC-8 or P-3B Aircraft Manager. Although subject to change, the scheduled down-days are shown on Figure 8.2

7.7.2 No-fly Days

On days when no flights are planned, the aircraft will be made available to the PI teams, on a work schedule set by the GTE Project Manager with the approval of the Aircraft Manager.

7.8 Flight Operations Guidelines

Guidelines to insure safe flight operations are established through the respective NASA center management instructions. Guidelines to insure that flight operations meet the PEM-Tropics B objectives are established by the GTE Project Office in consultation with the respective Aircraft Managers.

7.8.1 Aircraft Seat Assignments

The maximum number of persons on the aircraft during any flight will be limited by the seating available and other pertinent safety considerations. All personnel flying on the DC-8 or P-3B must: be listed on the flight manifest, have been entered on a flight authorization letter (P-3B only), have filled out and submitted a Flight Participant Form, and have been given a DC-8 and/or P-3B Aircraft Safety Briefing. Each Principal Investigator should provide the Project and /or Expedition Manager and the Aircraft Mission Manager a list of the personnel that will be required on each leg of the PEM-Tropics B deployment. Following is the personnel allocation for the P-3B and DC-8 transit flights. It is anticipated that 3 to 5 additional seats will be available to the DC-8 investigators on local flights, and 1 or 2 additional seat may be available on the P-3B during local flights

Seat Assignments Aboard the P-3B During Transit Flights

Seat Assignments Aboard the DC-8 During Transit Flights

7.8.2 Flight Criteria

The Go/No-Go decision will be jointly made by the Project and Aircraft Managers. The Aircraft Manager will determine if the aircraft is ready to fly, and the GTE Project Manager or his designee, with the Mission Scientists, will determine if experiments necessary to meet the flight objective(s) are operational. The aircraft commander will be responsible for mission abort based upon safety considerations. The impact on the status of experiment instrumentation will be assessed based upon the objectives of the particular flight.

7.8.3 Pre/Post Flight Instrument Preparations

Table M.3 summarizes the maintenance activities that must be completed for each experiment before and/or after each flight, and Table M.4 summarizes the individual experiment pre-flight preparation times. Power is required during all this time. Activities such as calibration, temperature stabilization, etc. are performed during this time.

7.8.4 In-flight Safety Requirements

Aircraft flights are governed by specific safety rules. All participants in DC-8 and P-3B flights are required to abide by these regulations, which will be enforced by the Pilots and the Aircraft Managers. Before flight, an inspection of equipment items in the aircraft will be conducted to assure that all equipment, carry-on luggage, etc. is in a safe, flyable configuration. No smoking, alcoholic beverages, glass containers, open-toed or high-heeled shoes, or shorts are permitted during flight. Each person must be seated during take-off and landing and any other time the seat belt sign is illuminated. The passageway through the aircraft must be clear at all times. All carry-on gear must be secured for take-off and landing. Only designated aircraft crewmembers will operate the power distribution panel controls and the aircraft doors. In the event of a power outage, all instrumentation power switches must be set to "Off" before the power distribution panel is reset. Experiments will be brought on-line in sequence, if necessary, to avoid transient overloads. One person with each experiment must monitor the intercom at all times and remain with the experiment.

The Aircraft Manager is the interface between the flight crew and the experimenters. Access to the cockpit may be granted through the Aircraft Manager who will pass the request to the flight deck.

7.8.4.1 Safety Briefings

Safety training sessions are held at the start of each mission. Attendance by all participants is mandatory. These briefings cover the use of emergency exits, life rafts, life vests, fire extinguishers, emergency oxygen (in the event of sudden cabin depressurization), and survival methods following a ditching or Arctic-surface landing.

7.8.4.2 Specialized Safety Equipment

The DC-8 and P-3B carry safety equipment equal to, and often exceeding that carried by comparable passenger aircraft.

(1) Seat Belts - Passenger seats are equipped with either standard issue belts or a combination seat belt/shoulder harness. These must be used during take-off and landing, and whenever the seat belt sign is illuminated. The Aircraft Manager will indicate when their use is required.

(2) Fire Protection Equipment - A wide variety of fire protection devices are located throughout the aircraft. Two fireboards with fire fighting equipment are located in the main cabin, and one fireboard is located in each cargo hold. Each of these fire boards includes a fire extinguisher (Halon), fireproof gloves, a fire axe, a smoke mask, and an emergency oxygen bottle.

(3) Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBD's) are provided for both experimenters and flight crew. These are fire hoods equipped with a solid state chemical - oxygen generator that supplies 15 minutes of pure oxygen to allow escape from the aircraft. The location of the EEBDs will be pointed out during safety training briefings.

(4) Water Survival Equipment - Life rafts are carried on all flights over water. They are located in the main cabin - two in the ceiling adjacent to the over wing emergency exits, one forward and one aft near the cabin doors for the DC-8 and on the floor in front of the over-wing exits for the P-3B. The rafts contain enough rations and gear to sustain each person for one week.

Individual life vests are stowed in pouches beneath or behind each seat. The bottom cushion of each seat can be easily removed and used as a flotation aid.

(5) Emergency Exit Lighting - In case of an emergency, a lighting system will automatically illuminate exit signs at each door. Lights located on the seats or experimenter racks will also illuminate the aisles to facilitate egress from the aircraft.

7.8.4.3 In-Flight Safety

(1) Emergency Oxygen Equipment - Oxygen masks are located throughout the DC-8 cabin in the overhead compartments. They are within convenient reach of all DC-8 participants when seated. Should the need arise, the bottom of the compartment will automatically open, and the oxygen masks will drop down. The crewmembers and the Aircraft Manager on the DC-8 have portable emergency oxygen bottles, and can assist anyone on the aircraft.

(2) Intercom Regulation - The aircraft intercom system enables the Aircraft Manager to monitor experimenter operations and become aware of any safety-related problem immediately. At least one member of each research group is required to be on the intercom at all times. Extra-length cables can be provided if necessary to aid experiment operations.

(3) Cargo Areas - Access to cargo areas is permitted in flight, but not during take-off and landing. Experimenters must inform the Aircraft Manager before moving into the cargo areas. They must remain on the intercom while in the cargo area, and must confirm their return to the main cabin with him.

(4) Repair Equipment - Electric motor-driven hand tools, heat guns, and soldering guns cannot be used in flight. Only the low power, pencil type soldering irons are permitted; and their use must be approved by the Aircraft Manager. Volatile solvents are not permitted on board.

(5) Smoking - Smoking is not permitted at any time aboard the DC-8 or P-3B, either on the ground or in flight.

(6) Experiment Gas Leaks-A gas leak detection device, Ion Sciences Gas Leak Detector, Model 53-46B4, will be placed aboard each aircraft by the GTE Project Office. It will be used by the to detect whether leaks exist in all NO, NO2, SO2, propane, butanol, and N2O bottles after final pre-flight valve adjustments have been made and prior to every flight take-off. It will also be used after each gas bottle has been secured post-flight. Experiment team members may use the leak detection device at other times to verify no leaks exist in any gas bottle. If a noxious gas leak is detected to exist, the Aircraft Manager will be immediately notified and priority attention given to stopping the leak.

7.8.4.4 Additional Safety Considerations

(1) Check Flights - When all the experimental equipment for a mission has been installed, but prior to the scientific data flights, one or more check flights are made. Experimenters may not participate in these flights.

(2) Liquid Disposal - Beverage cups and open containers should not be left unattended, particularly around experimental equipment where accidental spillage could damage electronic components. Glass beverage containers are not allowed on the aircraft

(3)Flight Insurance - Participants must arrange for their own insurance. Please be advised that the DC-8 and P-3B are operated as public law aircraft, and as such does not have, or require, a certificate of airworthiness issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. As a consequence, many commercial riders to insurance policies may not provide insurance protection. Insurance can be purchased locally from commercial sources, on a yearly basis, covering flights on the DC-8 and /or P-3B within the U.S. and overseas. Consult with your insurance agent about the coverage of policies you hold.

7.8.5 Undesirable Flight Conditions

Table M.5 summarizes those undesirable flight conditions identified by each Principal Investigator. Each condition will prevent that experiment from making measurements or will significantly impact measurement accuracy. These conditions will be used in flight planning to the greatest extent possible, but some flights will encounter these conditions because the Science Team considered other criteria having higher priority.

7.8.6 In-flight Accommodations

(1) Flight Lunches - Flight lunches will be provided on all deployment flights. Aircraft passengers will be responsible for their own lunches on the test flights. Coffee and a microwave oven are available in the galley area at the rear of the main cabins on both the P-3B and DC-8 aircraft. A refrigerator is also available on the P-3B.

(2) Electrical Power Blackouts - A power interruption of up to a few minutes occurs when the engines are started, during the change over from ground power to aircraft power. The Aircraft Manager will give prior warning to all experimenters, and may require shut-down of all experiments for this period. A similar interruption will occur at the end of a flight, when the engines are shut down. Prior arrangements should be made if electrical power is needed for post-flight calibration or other purposes.

(3) Cabin Environment - For high altitude cruise conditions, the cabin is pressurized to an equivalent of 7,500 feet altitude, and temperature is maintained at 65^o to 75^oF (18^o to 24^oC). Relative humidity normally decreases with time in flight, from the local airfield value at takeoff to a relatively stable 10% to 15% within an hour or two. Cabin lighting can be controlled as required by experiments.

(4) Cargo Environment-Cargo areas are pressurized the same as the cabin on the DC-8, but some areas remain at a lower temperature. On the P-3B the forward cargo area is not pressurized, but may remain at a lower temperature than the cabin.

(5) In-Flight Repairs - Experimenters may work on their equipment in flight, if it is necessary and can be done without affecting other experiments or creating an unsafe condition. However, the Aircraft Manager's approval must be obtained before any repair work may begin. Equipment removed from its usual position must be replaced securely before landing. The use of aisle space for repairs is not permitted.

7.9 Nominal Activities for Non-flight Days

The following is a nominal list of activities that are anticipated on non-flight days or non-down days:

- Aircraft open and power available

-Preliminary flight planning meetings (Mission Scientist, Mission Meteorologist, aircraft personnel as determined by Aircraft Manager, and GTE Project Manager or designee).

- General Planning session for next mission

- Weather briefing

- Review instrument status

- Weather/scientific criteria

- Make Go/No-Go decision for next day (begin crew rest)

- Develop flight plans

- Identify present or potential problem areas

- Work aircraft clearances; tentative evening work schedule

- Weather update; evening work schedule

The timing of the above activities will be specific to each deployment location and to the experience obtained at that location.

7.10 Typical Schedule for Flight Days During Deployment

The following is a typical schedule for flight days during deployment.

7.11 Post Flight/Deployment Activities

Table M.6 summarizes the amount of time needed by each experiment after each flight to power-down the instruments. Power is required during all of this time. Activities such as calibration, gas turn-off, removal of cooling materials, installation of covers, etc. are completed during this time.

When the deployment period is completed, one or two days are scheduled for removal of experiments under the supervision of the Aircraft Manager.

Equipment can be removed rack by rack, or by hand-carrying the various components, at the experimenter’s discretion. Equipment should then be returned to the DC-8 or P-3B support areas where the research teams are responsible for packing for return shipment to the PI’s institution.

The GTE Project Manager or his designee will hold a mission debriefing to review results, complete requests for aircraft systems data, and to arrange for post-mission science reviews as required. The Aircraft Manager will also provide any mission related data held in aircraft files upon request.

8.0 SCHEDULES

8.1 Project Major Milestones

8.2 Flight Operations Schedule

Table 8.2 gives the nominal integration and deployment schedule

8.3 Data Archival and Publication Schedule

Table 8.3 shows the schedule of data-related activities as established by the Science Team or assigned by the GTE Project Office to insure timely publication of results and release of the data to the public.

Table 8.3

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