First Plane at Pole

This week we've had really good weather and a lot has been done in preparation for station opening. The skiway and flight deck are ready for inbound flights and now we are moving snow for access to outbuildings that will be used during the summer season.

On Tuesday we saw the first of many flights that will be making their way through the South Pole in route to McMurdo Station. The first was a Basler (seen below) that had to refuel and leave immediately thereafter taking advantage of the good weather window to McMurdo. Typically these flights don't bring in or take out passengers but this particular one did. We had to say goodbye to another team member that was being flown out early due to a medical condition that needed to be further evaluated. This was a precautionary measure and not a medical evacuation as we had midwinter and now we're down to 45 from the original 48 on station. Later that day we got our second plane, a Twin Otter similar to the one used during the midwinter operation. That flight was grounded overnight due to bad weather in McMurdo closing their skiway. It was strange having new faces on station for the first time in many months, but nice a the same time. We did everything possible to make them feel at home and part of the crew. They were given tours of the science buildings, ice tunnels and shared meals with us. Good times.

This coming week we will see more flights, a few will be passing through and one will be bringing in the first of the summer team and taking another one of our crew out. Not due to medical issues, but due to an interview with NASA! One of our science crew was selected for an interview out of more than 10 thousand applicants for the astronaut program and will be flying directly to Texas for the interview once out of Antarctica. Very exiting! 

Next Post? Leaving Soon