Dear Colleagues,

The telecon on Friday [February 22, 2008] dealt primarily with integration and logistical issues. A revised upload/integration schedule based on this discussion is attached. If there are aircraft network and data recording issues for your installation, please coordinate those with Pavel well in advance of your planned installation date. We emphasize again the difficulty of working on instruments inside the cabin, especially as the cabin fills with instrument racks. This means that the instrument installation in the rack should be as complete as possible prior to installation in the cabin.

Access to aircraft and hangar space during installation was discussed. During most of the upload period, access to the hangar and aircraft will be on weekdays only from approximately 8 am - 5 -5:30 PM. Access to laboratories and/or offices in the RAF facility, however, will be available. One large laboratory located adjacent to the main hangar space is accessible from the outside, and will be available on weekends.

Several items were identified that need your prompt attention. These are:

1) Each instrument team should provide the full names and affiliations of all of its members who will need access to the RAF facility, including computer room, laboratory, hangar, and aircraft. This list will be used to provide guest access cards that allow entry to the RAF facility.

2) Special requests for computer/office space. There is one large user office for setting up computers, etc., but there is the possibility of limited "private" office space for special use, if needed. Note that wireless network access is available throughout the RAF facility. If you anticipate that you might also need some office space at the NCAR Foothills Laboratory, please make that request too. Any special requests or questions relating to firewall issues, or other IT support at RAF should be sent through Pavel.

3) Laboratory/floor space/other requirements. Please estimate the amount of laboratory/hangar space you need to support your instrument/project, and the number of tables you might also need. Let us know if you require space in the laboratory that is accessible during the weekends, or if space inside the hangar is OK.

4) Power requirements. Please estimate the electrical requirements to support your instrument. Also, if pumps and/or other electrical equipment need to be operated overnight and/or on weekends, please let us know the specifics of that requirement.

5) Hazardous materials. Identify need to store hazardous materials at the RAF facility. Non-toxic high pressure gas cylinders can be easily accommodated. Please estimate the number of cylinders and type of gas you plan to store/use at RAF. Identify any flammable, toxic, or other hazardous materials.

6) Time synchronization. The importance of time synchronization of measurements from different instruments was discussed. Each instrument team should review how their instrument is time synchronized with the aircraft clock. Different options are available. For more information contact Pavel.

One open issue was when a test of MEDUSA and PANTHER cabin exhaust would occur in the integration/test flight schedule.

Data reporting was also discussed, and it appears that most of the instruments will have quick-look data available within 24 - 48 hours after each flight. These data will be combined with aircraft and meteorological data for quick look analyses, etc. A final schedule for data archiving and public release of the data was mentioned, but additional input and discussion are required. The date proposed for a final data archive is 31 December 2008. Suggestions for public release of the data is either 6 or 12 months after this final archive date. Any comments on this schedule are welcome.

A first forecasting dry-run is scheduled for 29 Feb., and operational testing of the forecasting/flight planning operation is planned for the first week of April (prior to the first test flights). Please contact Laura or Ken if you need more information on these tests.

Please send your responses to the questions above to both me and to Pavel (pavel@ucar.edu). Though we covered a number of topics during the telecon, you may still have questions on specific details. Please don't hesitate to ask about anything if you are unsure.

Thanks for your cooperation,

Elliot
[sent February 25, 2008]