NCAR Aviation: PastNCAR Aviation: Past

Queen Airs (2) 1960-Queen Airs (2) 1960-70’s70’s

DeHavilland Buffalo 1960’sDeHavilland Buffalo 1960’s

NCAR Aviation: Past cont’d

Sabreliner ‘69-’93Sabreliner ‘69-’93

Schweitzer Schweitzer Sailplane ‘80-90’sSailplane ‘80-90’s

NCAR Aviation: Past cont’d

Beech King Beech King Air ‘82-’96Air ‘82-’96

General DynamicsGeneral DynamicsWB-57F ‘93-’97WB-57F ‘93-’97

NCAR Aviation: PresentNCAR Aviation: Present

Lockheed Electra Lockheed Electra 1973-Present1973-Present

Lockheed C-130 Lockheed C-130 1993-Present1993-Present

Staff CapabilitiesStaff Capabilities

• Project engineeringProject engineering• Worldwide field supportWorldwide field support• In-field maintenanceIn-field maintenance• Scientific researchScientific research• Instrument R & DInstrument R & D• Airframe modificationAirframe modification• Shop fabricationShop fabrication• Sheet metal fabricationSheet metal fabrication• FAA DER approvalFAA DER approval

• TechniciansTechnicians• Pilots or Co-pilotsPilots or Co-pilots• Flight EngineersFlight Engineers• MechanicsMechanics• Scientists/Project ManagersScientists/Project Managers• Engineers (aero, EE, software)Engineers (aero, EE, software)----------------------------~37 Total~37 Total

Global Project SupportGlobal Project Support

Frequent Complexities: Frequent Complexities: • Remote locationsRemote locations• Limited airport capabilitiesLimited airport capabilities• Poor access to parts and servicesPoor access to parts and services

• Scientist(s) as “customers” Scientist(s) as “customers” • 2-4 projects/year, each aircraft 2-4 projects/year, each aircraft • Any continentAny continent• Unique payloadsUnique payloads

Project PreparationProject Preparation

• Utilize max floor space, volumeUtilize max floor space, volume• Access to apertures, inlets criticalAccess to apertures, inlets critical

• Highly customizedHighly customized• 3-12 week prep period3-12 week prep period• Changing instruments, inletsChanging instruments, inlets

External SensorsExternal Sensors

Humidity sensorHumidity sensor Wing tip particle probesWing tip particle probes

Pod-mounted probesPod-mounted probes Shrouded air inletsShrouded air inlets

Maintenance NeedsMaintenance Needs

Needs Needs

• Accommodation for low yearly flight hoursAccommodation for low yearly flight hours

• Capability for field serviceCapability for field service

• Cost-effectivenessCost-effectiveness

• Minimized down time for inspectionMinimized down time for inspection

Maintenance Practices Maintenance Practices Current PracticesCurrent Practices

• Progressive (quarterly) maintenance plansProgressive (quarterly) maintenance plans

• Maintain store of spare parts & spare aircraftMaintain store of spare parts & spare aircraft

• Flyaway kit for deploymentsFlyaway kit for deployments

• Staffing: 6 A&P mechanics plus Maintenance ChiefStaffing: 6 A&P mechanics plus Maintenance Chief

UCAR Staff FunctionsUCAR Staff Functions Vendor FunctionsVendor Functions

Quarterly maintenanceQuarterly maintenanceRoutine airframe inspec.Routine airframe inspec.AD’s and Svc BulletinsAD’s and Svc BulletinsUnscheduled maint.Unscheduled maint.Engine/prop exchangesEngine/prop exchanges

Major engine repairsMajor engine repairsOverhaulsOverhaulsC-checksC-checksAvionics supportAvionics support

Special Repair CapabilitiesSpecial Repair Capabilities

Fabrication and replacement of Fabrication and replacement of WB-57F wing spar.WB-57F wing spar.