Using the operator “NOAA” you can follow both the P3 penetration missions and the GIV research missions over hurricanes. This morning’s P3 flight through Matthew is shown on NOAA43 flightaware.com/live/flight/NOAA43
They have head out again.
I suspect that they changed crews.
Today’s update - G-IV down so P3 is doing its job.
https://noaahrd.wordpress.com/2016/10/06/noaas-p3-hurricane-hunter-aircraft-flies-around-matthew/
NOAA operates 3 aircraft for hurricane operations:
P3 N42RF as flight NOAA 42
P3 N43RF as flight NOAA 43
G-IV N49RF as flight NOAA 49
The P3’s are generally penetration aircraft, flying as low as practical and criss-crossing the eye to get data in 4 sectors as well as a fix on the exact center. If you haven’t read the old “Hugo” story, it is a good one…https://www.wunderground.com/resources/education/hugo1.asp
The G-IV is generally high-altitude research for collecting data around the storm for track and intensity predictions.
The Air Force also operates hurricane missions using modified Hercules aircraft, however those are not trackable (as far as I know) on FA. Weather flight operations and data are provided on http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/recon.php
Nice find. I now see that on yesterday’s flight plan for today.
REMARKS: THE GLOBAL HAWK (NA872) WILL FLY A 22.5 HOUR
RESEARCH MISSION OVER MATTHEW AT 07/0200Z. BLOCK 55,000
TO 65,000 FT. UP TO 90 DROPS.