Mar 5:  Most of the day was spent badging all the TRACE P people.  The aircraft crew were first so they could get access to the plane as soon as possible.  Items on the C130 were downloaded by the aircraft crew and transported to the lab by HK airport ground crew.  The lab is actually an airline gate that has not been finished, with concrete floors, but with power.  This has proven to be adequate so far.  The PI’s are performing instrument testing, calibrations and repairs on the aircraft when gas bottles and other hazardous materials are used.  The lab has been very useful as a staging area and easy access to PI “blue boxes”, dry ice, and for mixing some chemicals and equipment repair.

The C130 was taxied under airport control to the location of the sea container that was sent in advance and gas bottles and other items needed by the PI’s at the HK site were loaded into the C130.  The C130 taxied back to its parking site next to the P3-B and the DC-8.  The C130 is used as the “storage facility” for the gas bottles during the local flights.

Mar 6: A Press Conference was held for the HK press followed by a tour of the planes.  A reception was hosted by the HK press for the project, consulates and local dignitaries.  Later a reception by the Airport Regal Hotel was hosted for all the TRACE P participants.