NZ Domestic and Auckland Oceanic Airspace: Atmospheric Research
Project ‘Deepwave’
Effective: 5 JUN to 21 JUL 14
From 5 JUN to 21 JUL 14, a joint atmospheric research project, Deepwave, will be
conducted in the New Zealand and Auckland Oceanic FIRs (NZZC and NZZO). The
aim is to gain better understanding of gravity waves (a potential benefit to
aviation meteorology and forecasting).
Two research aircraft will operate mainly south of Christchurch but also
occasionally as far north as Bay of Plenty, south to the Antarctic, west to Australia,
and eastward to Chatham Islands.
The United States National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) will conduct
approximately 22 long transect flights with a Gulfstream-V aircraft (N677F) at
altitudes above FL400. Each 8 to 9 hour flight will include the use of an airborne
research laser and radio drop sondes. The research laser will be projected upward
from the aircraft and may be visible. It is considered eye safe at 3600 ft. The drop
sondes weigh approximately 160 grams and will descend on a parachute over
about 13 minutes to reach the surface. Flight operations will commence at
approximately 0730 UTC (1930 NZST) and will normally terminate by 1630 UTC
(0430 NZST) each day.
The German Aerospace Centre (DLR) will conduct 15 to 18 box-pattern
measurement operations in an area approximately between Christchurch and
Dunedin, mainly within NZZC, using a Falcon 20 aircraft (D-CMET) operating
between FL270 and FL350. Flights will be carried out over 3.5 to 4 hour periods
both day and night. The DLR aircraft will not be deploying drop sondes or
operating a research laser.
Radiosonde balloons will be released from Lauder between 15 JUN and 15 JUL 14.
Other radiosonde releases will take place, probably from Hokitika aerodrome and
one other site yet to be decided.
During all flight operations, both aircraft will maintain full communications with
ATS. The upward-pointing laser and drop sonde operations will be terminated if
non-participating aircraft are known to be in the area.
Daily operational intentions will be advised by NOTAM
http://www.niwa.co.nz/news/deepwave-...the-atmosphere