
Bart Geerts has been named Research Operations Facility Manager for EOL's Research Aviation Facility (RAF)
Dr. Bart Geerts will become the Facility Manager for EOL’s Research Aviation Facility (RAF) starting in May 2025, where he will oversee RAF operations.
Originally from Belgium, Dr. Geerts earned his PhD from the University of Washington and specializes in cloud-scale to mesoscale atmospheric processes, with a focus on airborne radar data. His research heavily relies on field campaign observations, particularly those utilizing FARE platforms and instruments.
Dr. Geerts served as the Lead Principal Investigator on the NSF Mid-Scale Research Infrastructure award, which led to the development of the next-generation University of Wyoming King Air—an LAOF platform equipped with advanced radars, lidars, and trace gas sensors.

NSF NCAR’s GV Aircraft Returns to Service After Major Inspection
NSF NCAR’s Gulfstream V (GV) research aircraft is back in action following a major inspection, ensuring it remains in top condition to support upcoming airborne research campaigns. The extensive maintenance process, a routine but critical step in sustaining the GV’s long-term performance, covered the 72-month calendar inspection, which included a full structural review, systems checks, avionics testing, and deep maintenance evaluations. Additionally, all recurring inspections were reset to a winter base month, allowing for uninterrupted summer research campaigns and optimizing aircraft availability. With this work complete, the GV is fully prepared to resume its role in advancing atmospheric science.
EOL in the News
Read stories and articles about the incredible work by EOL staff and our suite of requestable Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities (LAOF).

NSF Facility and Instrumentation Request Process (FIRP)
The Facility and Instrumentation Request Process (FIRP) solicitation describes the mechanism by which the research community can propose projects that require access to facilities and instrumentation sponsored by the Facilities for Atmospheric Research and Education (FARE) Program in the Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS). Specialized FARE instrumentation and facilities include the Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities (LAOF) and the Community Instruments and Facilities (CIF). For more information, please contact Nick Anderson, NSF Program Director (AGS-PDM@nsf.gov).

Explore NCAR-managed Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities for your field research
EOL manages and operates a portfolio of multi-user national facilities that are sponsored by NSF. The NCAR-managed Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities include:
These specialized facilities and instrumentation can be requested to carry out the scientific field work associated with the investigation of a wide range of geophysical phenomena.