Today’s flight has been cancelled due to the current wind intensity being significantly out of limits, as well as a low cloud ceiling.
The current schedule is:
-Instruments remain in a pre-flight condition.
-Evening Pre-flight by DOAS, DLH, PCRS:
o 1800 – 2100: Instrument “Day-of-Flt” Preflight
-Evening Pre-flight for instruments requiring Aircraft VTC Power and Data-IT support:
o 2000 – 2100
Schedule for Science Flt #3:
Science Flight #3 now scheduled for Friday
Pics of Activity (all four courtesy of Rafael Mendez)
-The Fuel Valve was replaced this morning in Hangar 6
-The local winds are currently above the tow-limit for the aircraft - so fueling is delayed
- The delay in fueling will cause an hour-by-hour delay in the start of Preflight activity, which is at present:
o ~1230 – 1500: Instrument Preflight with VTC Power and Data-IT
Science Flight #3 now scheduled for Friday
Pics of Activity (all four courtesy of Rafael Mendez)
-Inmarsat and Ku Satcom are now operational.
- UCATS, SSFR, and Mini-DOAS performed Instrument Tests on the aircraft.
- Aircraft defueled (prep. for fuel valve replacement).
-Aircraft moved to USAF GH Hangar.
-GH Crew Down Day (with exception of 2 OA Tech’s to work req’d Task).
-No aircraft access by Instrument Teams.
- 1500 – 2000: Aircraft Power and Data-IT for instrument activity
o DOAS to use 3-hrs for Instrument Checkout and P.I. Training
o SSFR may perform tests (TBD)
o Other instruments are welcome to use this opportunity.
-Aircraft will be towed to USAF GH Hangar tonight
-Inmarsat Antenna has been replaced and tested in the Hangar
-Outdoor Inmarsat and Ku Testing being conducted this afternoon.
-NOAA H2O and UCATS will come off the aircraft at 4:00 PM (or later) today.
- The aircraft will remain in the Hangar this evening – with standard FireWatch
- Morning: Aircraft may be defueling (if deemed necessary) for valve replacement
- 1200 – 1600: Aircraft Power and Data-IT for instrument activity
The GH Crew have found a Fuel Quick Disconnect Valve that is leaking. During powered testing this morning, they confirmed it is leaking at a rate requiring replacement for flight. The aircraft is grounded pending replacement.
We are sorry for this unexpected change in our plans. We will keep you appraised of developments.
Today’s Activities:
- Inmarsat Antenna has been replaced
- Inmarsat repair pending arrival of replacement antenna tomorrow AM.
- Next Science Flight is scheduled for 0215 TakeOff Tuesday... 17 hour flt.
- 0600 - 0800: aircraft retrieved from Hangar 6, defueled to 65%
- 0730: Daily GH and ATTREX Leads Mtg in Hangar
- 0800 - 1100: Payload Preflight for those instruments NOT requiring Aircraft Power or Data-IT support. (External Power is allowed).
- 1030 - 1130: Inmarsat Antenna install and test
1300 - 1400: Aircraft outdoors for Inmarsat testing
-0730: Daily Tag-up of GH Team, ESPO, Science Leads in Hangar
-Engine Valve replacement and engine testing successful.
-Continued Ku Satcom Testing with aircraft and PMOF
- Aircraft towed to USAF GH Hangar 6 through Monday morning
- No aircraft activity. GH Crew Day off.
- 0800: Aircraft retrieved from USAF GH Hangar
-1030: Inmarsat Antenna replacement and testing (assumes delivery to Guam Monday AM)
-Ku Satcom on the GH is now operational
-Awaiting the arrival of replacement Engine Bypass Valve
-Next Flight is Sunday, 23Feb – ~0140 Engine Start, 0225 T.O.
-0730: Daily Tag-up of GH Team, ESPO, Science Leads in Hangar
- Ku Satcom Testing with aircraft and PMOF – Operational for next flight
-UCATS and NOAA H2O removed pending pre-flight for next flight
-0730: Daily Tag-up of GH Team, ESPO, Science Leads in Hangar
-Inmarsat Modem replacement found, and Ku maintenance begins
-Engine Bypass Valve failure delays next flight
-Pics of Pre-flight activity and 12-yr-old’s Thank you Card after AAFB Family visit
-Instrument Pre-flight activity completed
-USAF GH agrees to provide a spare Inmarsat Modem to NASA GH
o A DFRC Spare is also in shipment to Guam
-Engine Bypass Valve replacement is not on Guam
o Being located for expedited delivery to PGUA
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