COMMENTS
ON WINTER STORM RECONNAISSANCE  FLIGHTS

Date: 990113
When using the ECMWF ensemble with the ET technique, no useful results either with 60-hr lead time (sensitive area too far to NE) or with 36 hrs lead (area west of 180W).
The flight had to be cut short due to engine problems; only 15 sondes or so, southest point is at 45N, took same route back.

Date: 990116
This mission had to be cancaled due to aircraft maintenance problems before takeoff.
 

Date: 990117
The G-lV mission had to be cut short because of electrical problems on the plane. Only the first 7 dropsondes were released. The northest dropsonde location was around 35N, 161W.
 
 

Date: 990121
The C-130 flight had to be cancelled before take-off due to maintenance problems.
 
 

Date: 990126
The C-130 flight had to be cut short due to mechanical problems. Only four dropsondes released in area of light sensitivity.
 
 

Date:    990130
The G-lV flight was cancelled by SCATCAT. The C-130 flight had to be cancelled due to severely cold temperatures. No more reconnaissance flights with the C-130s over the Pacific this winter.