About the Research Aviation Facility (RAF)

EOL's Research Aviation Facility (RAF) is a national resource for the advancement of airborne research in the geosciences, with a focus on the safe operation of research aircraft in a wide variety of challenging sampling environments. RAF has been in operation since 1964, serving the NSF geosciences community by providing research platforms and expertise in airborne installations and measurement techniques. The NSF/NCAR aircraft, together with their available instrumentation, offer a level of sophistication and operational capabilities that are not generally available for NSF programs elsewhere.

RAF's goals are:
SAFETY, by operating the NSF/NCAR research aircraft safely and reliably;	SERVICE, by providing research aircraft users with comprehensive support;	and SCIENCE, by anticipating the future scientific needs of the atmospheric sciences community.

NSF/NCAR Research Aircraft

• NSF/NCAR HIAPER
• NSF/NCAR C-130

Learn more about: 

• Involving your instrument with future campaigns
  • NSF/NCAR C-130 Handbook
  • NSF/NCAR HIAPER Handbook
  • Approved Wire
• Schedule of upcoming and planned field campaigns
• Policies and procedures for conducting research on our aircraft
• Software for analysis of airborne data
• Documentation of data products from past field campaigns