After an extended period, or perhaps a continuation of, inclement weather in Antarctica, the conditions improved sufficiently 01 September for both the Airbus A319CJ and Boeing C17 to make their way from Christchurch to Phoenix Field and back. The C17 departed Christchurch 02 September heading to Hickam.
Extracting the weather data for Phoenix Field (NZFX) indicated light winds, high overcast clouds and a temperature of -37C!! The barometric pressure was well in the dulldrums at 969hPa and the existence of "Fata Morgana" was a feature - often reported on the ice.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fata_Morgana_(mirage)
The sun has risen over Antarctica ending the four months of sunless days - although stormy weather has obscured any chance of the "locals" actually spotting the golden orb!
Extracting the weather data for Phoenix Field (NZFX) indicated light winds, high overcast clouds and a temperature of -37C!! The barometric pressure was well in the dulldrums at 969hPa and the existence of "Fata Morgana" was a feature - often reported on the ice.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fata_Morgana_(mirage)
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Posted 24 August 2017:The sun has risen over Antarctica ending the four months of sunless days - although stormy weather has obscured any chance of the "locals" actually spotting the golden orb!
As a precursor to the flight support operations, Skytrader's Airbus A319CJ VH-VHD touched down in Christchurch 21 August from Melbourne as "Snowbird One".
Late 22 August saw United States Air Force Boeing C17 Globemaster III 08-8196 arrived at Christchurch from Richmond as "Reach 5 Echo 1". The C17 had arrived in Australia 21 August from Guam/Andersen and earlier on the 22nd flown its "milk run" from Richmond to Alice Springs and back.
And on the subject of Antarctica, Forbes recently published an article regarding the ability to charter a Gulfstream G550 for an excursion to the frozen continent. Click HERE for the article.
