NEWS:
Happy 85th Birthday to the DC3
Basler Turbo Conversions LLC is pleased to announce two new STC’s for the BT-67!
First BT-67 Delivered to The Polar Research Institute of China- October 2015
Cargo North Basler Connecting the North
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Cargo North has two Basler BT 67 aircraft that are now certified to also transport passengers to and from northern communities. Heading out of Thunder Bay, Pickle Lake or Sioux Lookout, with up to 16 passengers, or up to ten tons of freight or a combination this new service is going to make it far more feasible in the north for doing business.
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AWI Scientists Discover Possible Meteorite Impact Site
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During their stay at the Princess Elisabeth station, researchers from the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) in Germany, have discovered a possible meteorite impact site during an aerial geological survey mission to study the geological history of Antarctica.
Click the button to read the whole article by Joseph Cheek along with an interview of Graeme Eagles and video. |
AWI's Polar 6 aircraft takes off from the runway at the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica research station.
© International Polar Foundation / Jos Van Hemelrijck
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China to Deploy First Fixed-Wing Aircraft for Antarctic Research: Reports
MOSCOW, October 28 (RIA Novosti) - China will deploy its first fixed-wing aircraft to carry out research in Antarctica in 2015, also planning to send the 31st scientific expedition to choose a site for the Antarctic airfield, Xinhua reported Tuesday.
From the United States, China purchased the Basler BT-67 aircraft capable of flying on research, rescue and transportation missions at low temperatures, the agency reported citing Qu Tanzhou, head of the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration.
China is also sending its 31st scientific expedition to choose a site for the planned airfield in proximity to China's Zhongshan Station in eastern Antarctica, according to Tanzahou.
Tanzahou also noted the possibility of sharing a Russian airfield near the station.
Several members of the 1959 Antarctic Treaty operate research bases in Antarctica. The treaty froze the territorial claims on all sections of land located 60 degrees south latitude. However, several countries are continuing to press their (sometimes overlapping) claims for territorial rights to various parts of Antarctica. Australia has the largest claim.
Other signatories of the Treaty include Argentina, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom.
(Article Link)
From the United States, China purchased the Basler BT-67 aircraft capable of flying on research, rescue and transportation missions at low temperatures, the agency reported citing Qu Tanzhou, head of the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration.
China is also sending its 31st scientific expedition to choose a site for the planned airfield in proximity to China's Zhongshan Station in eastern Antarctica, according to Tanzahou.
Tanzahou also noted the possibility of sharing a Russian airfield near the station.
Several members of the 1959 Antarctic Treaty operate research bases in Antarctica. The treaty froze the territorial claims on all sections of land located 60 degrees south latitude. However, several countries are continuing to press their (sometimes overlapping) claims for territorial rights to various parts of Antarctica. Australia has the largest claim.
Other signatories of the Treaty include Argentina, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom.
(Article Link)
Planes and Penguins by Peter Mombaerts (www.pilotweb.aero)
Bell Geospace completes successful survey over challenging environment
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Bell Geospace, world leaders in Gravity Gradiometry, have just completed a complex survey over a technically and environmentally challenging part of Greenland for Black Angel Mining. Covering transition zones of ice, water and rock, in variable weather conditions, the team were able to cover the area from a base in Kangerlussuaq, Western Greenland.
'This was a particularly challenging project' said John Macfarlane, General Manager of Bell Geospace. 'Flying at an altitude of 250m, 170m above our normal flying height, through fjords and escarpments in poor weather in order to acquire optimal data is only possible because of the aircraft we use, a Basler Turbo 67. The aircraft has twin Pratt and Whitney Turbine engines and state of the art avionics, and is flown by highly experienced airborne geophysical pilots. The long range fuel tanks and 100ft wingspan of the Basler Turbo aircraft gave us the stability and stamina vital for surveying in this environment. This aircraft, deemed to be the best fixed wing platform available for this type of acquisition, is equipped with Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry, Magnetics and LiDAR instruments. We were able to acquire the entire dataset without disturbing the sensitive environment, including the eider ducks mating nearby and expect exceptional results for our client'.
Bell Geospace completed the survey on 14th July and delivered interim images within 24 hours. Black Angel expect to start drilling by the middle of August, after receiving the processed and interpreted data only 4 weeks from the acquisition completion.
Read Article Here
Bell Geospace, world leaders in Gravity Gradiometry, have just completed a complex survey over a technically and environmentally challenging part of Greenland for Black Angel Mining. Covering transition zones of ice, water and rock, in variable weather conditions, the team were able to cover the area from a base in Kangerlussuaq, Western Greenland.
'This was a particularly challenging project' said John Macfarlane, General Manager of Bell Geospace. 'Flying at an altitude of 250m, 170m above our normal flying height, through fjords and escarpments in poor weather in order to acquire optimal data is only possible because of the aircraft we use, a Basler Turbo 67. The aircraft has twin Pratt and Whitney Turbine engines and state of the art avionics, and is flown by highly experienced airborne geophysical pilots. The long range fuel tanks and 100ft wingspan of the Basler Turbo aircraft gave us the stability and stamina vital for surveying in this environment. This aircraft, deemed to be the best fixed wing platform available for this type of acquisition, is equipped with Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry, Magnetics and LiDAR instruments. We were able to acquire the entire dataset without disturbing the sensitive environment, including the eider ducks mating nearby and expect exceptional results for our client'.
Bell Geospace completed the survey on 14th July and delivered interim images within 24 hours. Black Angel expect to start drilling by the middle of August, after receiving the processed and interpreted data only 4 weeks from the acquisition completion.
Read Article Here
Cargo North's Basler BT-67- Giant Leap for Northern Aviation
Polar Research Institute of China Signs Contract for BT-67
Basler Turbo Conversions is pleased to announce that a contract has been signed with the Polar Research Institute of China to deliver a BT-67 aircraft to that group for environmental studies in the Polar regions. The aircraft will be equipped with ice penetrating radar as well as gravity sensing and mag sensing equipment to aid in the scientific evaluations. The project is under the overall direction of Dr. Bo Sun of PRIC and is a joint effort with Basler by Lake Central Airways of Muskoka, Ontario, and the University of Texas, Austin. The U of Texas has a long standing working relationship with the PRIC that will be expanded as a result of this effort.
Chinese Antarctic activities were initiated in the 1980s. During that period, China sent scientists to Australia and some other countries to participate in their Antarctic programs and expedition activities. They learned a great deal of knowledge about Antarctica and gained experience in scientific studies and logistic support. In November 1984, China sent its first Antarctic expedition to West Antarctica and the expeditioners landed on the King George Island in December of the same year.
Up to the present, China has successfully organized 30 Antarctic scientific expeditions and sent more than 3500 expeditioners in total to the Antarctic for scientific studies and logistic support, gradually forming a supporting system
of "one ship to three stations", that is, R/V Xuelong provides logistic support to the Great Wall Station, Zhongshan Station and Kunlun Station. All the stations have become not only good bases for the scientists to carry out scientific studies in Antarctica but also a window for China’s opening to the outside world to cooperate with other countries in the Antarctic scientific studies.
The new BT-67 science aircraft is targeted for deployment to Antarctica for its first mission in late 2015.
Chinese Antarctic activities were initiated in the 1980s. During that period, China sent scientists to Australia and some other countries to participate in their Antarctic programs and expedition activities. They learned a great deal of knowledge about Antarctica and gained experience in scientific studies and logistic support. In November 1984, China sent its first Antarctic expedition to West Antarctica and the expeditioners landed on the King George Island in December of the same year.
Up to the present, China has successfully organized 30 Antarctic scientific expeditions and sent more than 3500 expeditioners in total to the Antarctic for scientific studies and logistic support, gradually forming a supporting system
of "one ship to three stations", that is, R/V Xuelong provides logistic support to the Great Wall Station, Zhongshan Station and Kunlun Station. All the stations have become not only good bases for the scientists to carry out scientific studies in Antarctica but also a window for China’s opening to the outside world to cooperate with other countries in the Antarctic scientific studies.
The new BT-67 science aircraft is targeted for deployment to Antarctica for its first mission in late 2015.
Production Time Lapse Video
After EAA, Duggy stops by Basler
Aviators Presents Basler Turbo Conversions:
Cargo North Announces Acquisition of a Basler Turbo 67 Aircraft
- CARGO NORTH, an investment group spearheaded by Frank Kelner, is pleased to announce the acquisition of a Basler Turbo 67 aircraft, to service Northwestern Ontario
POLAR 6……..The Second BT-67 to Germany
- Basler Turbo is now producing a second research aircraft for The Alfred Wegener Institute of Bremerhaven, Germany. The new Basler BT-67 will be know as POLAR 6 and will join sistership POLAR 5 conducting scientific research missions in the polar regions of the Arctic & Antarctic.
Scientific research campaigns for both Polar 5 and Polar 6 are organized and carried out by The Alfred Wegener Institute along with participants from international scientific research groups from Canada, the USA, Russia and other countries. The aircraft are maintained and operated by Kenn Borek Air of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
POLAR 6 will be a virtual twin to POLAR 5 and will enter service in time for the Antarctic season of 2011 / 2012. Scientific modifications are provided by Basler in co-operation with Lake Central Airways of Muskoka, Ontario, Canada.
Clean Gulf Associates Acquires New $6.5 Million Aircraft
- Monday July 20, 2009, 6:45 PM
by Jen DeGregorio, The Times-Picayune
Oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico may be mopped up just a little a little bit faster after a New Orleans company ordered the purchase of a high-tech plane that officials say is the biggest investment in Gulf spill cleanup in the last two decades.
Clean Gulf Associates bought a $6.5 million aircraft known as a Basler BT-67, which specializes in dropping dispersants over spilled oil. The chemical works by breaking down the oil into smaller components that wash away before they can accumulate in slicks that damage wildlife, said Frank Paskewich, Clean Gulf's executive director.
The new plane is owned by Airborne Support Inc., a firm that is supported financially by Clean Gulf, Paskewich said. The aircraft will be stationed at the Houma-Terrebone Airport, where it will be ready to deploy in case of a spill.
Clean Gulf -- a cooperative company with 140 members, including oil giant Chevron -- responded to 41 oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico last year. Paskewich described the incidents as minor, totalling about 40 barrels.
An entire indusry has emerged to support oil-spill cleanup since the Exxon Valdez tanker accident off the coast of Alaska in 1989, and Clean Gulf is one of dozens of companies in the Gulf area authorized to respond to spills. After the Exxon Valdez disaster, the United States shifted cleanup responsibility into the hands of companies that produce and transport oil, requiring them to keep emergency plans and contractual relationships with cleanup firms such as Clean Gulf.
The new aircraft will add to Clean Gulf's existing fleet of dispersant planes and cleanup vessels.
"In the right situation, dispersants can be very effective," said Doug Helton, who helps coordinate spill relief with the Office of Response and Restoration in the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.
Although the airplane can come in handy to deal with leaks from offshore platforms platforms and other offshore spill scenarios, the aircraft would not have helped during last summer's spill on the lower Mississippi River, which occurred when a towboat pushed a fuel barge into the path of an oncoming ship.
Dispersants are not typically used in populous areas because of concerns about drinking-water contamination, Paskewich said.
Still, Clean Gulf was on the scene during the July 2008 spill in New Orleans. The company sent a 200-foot barge that soaked up much of the oil. The company also provided two 46-foot skimming boats that caught the oil with large booms.
"We're ready 24-7 to get underway and clean the oil," Paskewich said
Jen DeGregorio can be reached at 504.826.3495 or jdegregorio@timespicayune.com.
BT-67 Approved for Flight Into Known Icing Conditions
- Basler’s BT-67 became the first ever variant of the DC-3 (piston or turbine) to be granted approval for flight into known ice conditions. The approval capped a multi year effort between the FAA & Basler and several engineering companies to place the BT-67 on an equal certification basis with other modern turbo prop aircraft.
The DC-3, despite a long history of flight in a wide variety of weather conditions, predated the current certification requirements and procedures, so the known ice certification was never completed and became a separate requirement for the turbine powered version. This is the first DC-3 type aircraft of any configuration to receive a known ice certification.
The certification is effective April 30, 2008.
BT-67 to Germany
- The Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) is acquiring a new research plane of type Basler BT-67. ‘Polar 5’ features improved aeronautical parameters and scientific instrumentation designed for long-lasting utilization. Consequently, it is ideally suited for continuing support of AWI research projects, despite ever increasing demands. The new aircraft will replace ‘Polar 4’, a Dornier DO 228-101 that has been operating since 1984. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is financing the acquisition of the polar research plane with 8.1 million euros. ‘Polar 5’, with registration C-GAWI, will see its first deployment during the 2007/2008 Antarctic season, exactly 25 years after the Alfred Wegener Institute’s initial polar aircraft operation.
The Basler BT-67 (Basler Turbo Conversion LLC), designed specifically for requirements of polar research, will be integrated as ‘Polar 5’ into the AWI flight schedule. Compared to ‘Polar 4’, the new plane is characterized by advanced performance parameters: The operational range (approximately 2900 km) has more than doubled, and the required take-off capacity from skis at elevations exceeding 3800 meters on the Antarctic Plateau has been demonstrated. Powerful generators have enabled expansion of the existing measuring equipment aboard. Loading capacity and volume are more than twice as large as in the preceding model, significantly improving the transport capacity for logistical operations. The new aircraft is more robust and therefore requires less maintenance than previous polar aircraft. Maintenance can be carried out at the deployment location. With operational costs comparable to current polar aircraft, the plane will be able to operate for up to 800 hours per year.
Next year’s commissioning of the new aircraft will also mark a new partnership of the research plane with the Canadian company ‘Enterprise Air Inc.’ in Oshawa. As for ‘Polar 2’ and ‘Polar 4’, the home location of ‘Polar 5’ will be Bremerhaven’s regional airport. This will also be the site of regular maintenance work on ‘Polar 5’ between research deployments.
The new acquisition became necessary after the research aircraft ‘Polar 4’ was severely damaged in January 2005 during a rough landing at the British over-wintering station Rothera on the Antarctic Peninsula.As it was impossible to repair the plane, the aircraft had to be decommissioned. Since then, the scientific and logistical tasks of polar flights have been performed solely by ‘Polar 2’. A second polar aircraft is needed so that the Alfred Wegener Institute can continue to meet fully its scientific and logistical responsibilities as a centre for polar and marine research.
Bremerhaven, October 31, 2006
Suggestion for editors:
Your contact person at the Alfred Wegener Institute is Dr Andreas Herber (Tel: +49-471-4831-1489, email: aherber@awi-bremerhaven.de). Your contact person in the public relations department is Dr Jens Kube (Tel: +49-471-4831-2007, email: jkube@awi-bremerhaven.de).