27. June 2014

POLAR6 - Test flight success

In the late afternoon on Thursday, we had our test flight on the Polar6. Six operators were on the flight; Richard (EC), Julia (U of T), Heiko (U of Mainz), Jens (AWI), Megan (U of T) and Franzi (U of Mainz). We were all glad to meet our pilots for the campaign – Kevin and John – from Kenn Borek Air. First, the Polar6 had to be carefully moved out of the hangar using a tractor. After re-fueling we flew west from Muskoka airport to Georgian Bay, where we did our tests.

The Polar6 outside the hangar at Muskoka Airport
The Polar6 outside the hangar at Muskoka Airport
Franzi (U of Mainz) all ready for the test flight with her instrument at the back of the Polar 6
Franzi (U of Mainz) all ready for the test flight with her instrument at the back of the Polar 6

Megan and Franzi with their mass spectrometers during the test flight
Megan and Franzi with their mass spectrometers during the test flight
Jens (AWI), Heiko (U of Mainz), and Julia (U of T) working with their instruments during the flight
Jens (AWI), Heiko (U of Mainz), and Julia (U of T) working with their instruments during the flight

Views of Georgian Bay
Views of Georgian Bay

Along with checking the function of all our instruments at various altitudes we did some bank turns and yaws, which were quite a rollercoaster ride! Overall, the test flight went well for all of us. Currently we are addressing any final problems and loading the aircraft with cargo to go up to Resolute Bay. Julia and I will leave on Monday morning, June 30th, with the Polar6 for the ferry flight.

 

- Megan Willis, NETCARE Graduate Student

Tags: 2014
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