Appendix A - Flight Scenarios and Airspace Clearances


Four flight scenarios have been identified in TARFOX planning to date; more may be developed before the intensive field period. The Vertical Profile Focus scenario has been reviewed by the aircraft groups; a draft summary of this scenario is included on the next two pages. Below are notes on the other scenarios.


Vertical Profile Focus

Science goals, features, and sketches on next two pages.
Radiative flux change per aerosol optical thickness change (dF/dAOT) derived primarily from dF/dZ, dAOT/dZ.


Remaining details to be worked:

A/C flight track orientation:
  • Up-sun/Down-sun (C130)
  • Parallel to subsatellite tracks (during overpass)
  • Optimize scattering angle
Distance offshore:
  • C-130 and ER-2 first outside warning area, then inside?
  • C-131 requests permission for profile in warning area. (permission granted weeks, 1 day, or hours before takeoff?) C-130, ER-2, Pelican coordinate with C-131
  • Pelican maximum distance from shore set by safety, speed, and takeoff time


Horizontal Gradient Focus

(easier to get clearance for horizontal flights??)
dF/dAOT derived primarily from dF/dX, dAOT/dX, measured while flying across haze gradient

C130 above haze (emphasis on dF/dX)
C-131 or Pelican below haze (emphasis on dAOT/dX)
Remaining A/C in haze
Pelican can get dFdown/dX and dAOT/dX simultaneously below haze
Only C-130 and C-131 can match speeds


Combination of above

Bermuda/AEROCE overflight (ER-2 and/or C-130 only)

NOTE: Each of the above scenarios could be flown with morning or afternoon satellite overpasses.



TARFOX Scenario 1: Vertical Profile Focus

Science Goals

Features Of Flights



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Continue to Appendix B-
Participants List