Catalogue Aircraft Concept

The Airborne Science Catalogue Program, managed by the Wallops Flight Facility, is intended to provide the NASA Earth Science community with a broad choice of platforms, available to support maximum mission requirements while minimizing research funds spent on aircraft maintenance and infrastructure, thus allowing maximum investment in the mission science. The basic requirement for a catalogue aircraft is that it must be a proven science-capable platform. To be proven, the flight performance of the platform must be well-understood and predictable for the type of flight profiles needed to accomplish science objectives. To be science capable, the platform has been modified to accommodate various sensors, data systems, or other unique mission capabilities. Installed facility sensor suites and utility equipment may be available, and NASA investigators may expect there will be accommodations to install their mission-specific sensors. An additional requirement is that the cost of the platform must be well enough understood to establish firm rates for the year so that science investigators can plan accordingly.

Catalogue aircraft are assumed to be traditional manned airborne laboratories, but may include proven unmanned aircraft systems and lighter-than-air vehicles. Operators include NASA, other government agencies, commercial aircraft service providers, and universities. The commercial and academic aircraft are available to NASA users from primarily a Blanket Purchase Award (BPA) to multiple providers. Access to other federal aircraft will be via reimbursable agreements, as is the case with collaborative government partners such as the Naval Research Laboratory, and the Department of Energy. NASA core science aircraft are routinely available for NASA science objectives, while access to other suitable NASA aircraft is subject to agency priorities. The most affordable rates are available on highly utilized aircraft, though scheduling access can be limited on a particular aircraft. Hence, multiple providers are sought to offer the user excellent availability at the lowest cost feasible.

The process in which catalogue aircraft are utilized begins with a flight request specifying details of the flight requirement to include the payload, power requirements, proposed flight lines, and when and where the mission is to be conducted. A “mini” competition is conducted through requesting quotes to the vendors the Wallops Aircraft Office deems capable of conducting the mission. Those vendors interested in responding, respond within two weeks with an estimate. The price will be based on agreed upon hourly and daily rates, and installation charges based on rates bid during the BPA process. The estimate is reviewed by program managers prior to committing to the mission. The user will forward the mission fees before departure. Once the mission is flown, the user will be billed for actual days in the field, flight hours flown, and installation and other direct costs incurred specific to the mission. Such direct costs include handing fees, fuel, travel, equipment rentals, logistics support, of which is billed as directly with no mark up from the vendor.

Safety is assured by a Risk Assessment/ Safety Review done in advance of the award by Wallops Aircraft Office Personnel. A copy of the review will be provided upon request to interested parties. Mission Assurance is assured by the requirement of a Mission Readiness Review which is required by NASA Directives (NPD 7900.3). Airworthiness is assured by one of two processes. If the aircraft is operated under an FAA Certificate of Airworthiness, the installation and airworthiness is assured by the appropriate FAA process and procedures. If the aircraft is operated without the issuance of an FAA Certificate, then the Wallops Airworthiness Review Board process and procedures will be followed to establish the airworthiness of the aircraft that supports NASA personnel or high value equipment.

The point of contact for the Catalogue is Anthony Guillory at 757 824-2161, or Anthony.Guillory@nasa.gov