Even when it’s not wave weather the Airbus Perlan Mission II team is always busy. On August 4 we visited with the Naval Prefactura on the shores of Lago Argentina. If the Perlan 2 uses the BRS whole glider parachute, it will drift with the wind. We are safety minded and realize that a water landing is possible, but not likely. But flight test protocol underscores being prepared. It was great to meet with these folks and discuss Search and Rescue procedures.
Other non-flying tasks included getting our new high resolution decals on our tow out vehicle. Michael Batalia has joined us in Argentina and is already working on the balloon team and with computers. Morgan takes the data collected in flight and compiles graphs to help understand the complex interactions of high altitude, pressurized flight in extreme cold with only battery operated heaters. Sandra and Ed are keeping the communication lines open with our Argentine colleagues.
But we also take any opportunity to get our hard working ground crew into the air. On August 5 Elizabeth and Alec got to see El Calafate and Lago Argentino from the Dap helicopter.
Perlan Soars! Perlan Se Eleva! Jackie
