The FAAM BAe146 atmospheric research aircraft completed its 500th research flight today. Operating out of Prestwick airport in Scotland, the current campaign is called CONSTRAIN, - a UK Met Office project to improve our understanding of cloud processes especially involving ice particles.

FGAM is contributing measurements from the 2DS and CPI probes. Both are cloud imaging probes with resolutions of 10 microns and 1.6 microns respectively. Data from these probes will complement Met Office measurements of cloud microphysical properties and will be used to inform improvements to Met Office operational models, the result (hopefully) being improved forecast accuracy, especially of heavy rain and snow.

James Dorsey, an FGAM instrument scientist, has been based in Prestwick since the 11th of January supporting these flights. He will remain with the aircraft until the end of the project on the 2nd of February and will then support analysis and interpretation of the FGAM instrument data.

The captain, Al Roberts bought every member of the crew an ice cream at the end of this milestone mission, and they were waiting for us at the end of the 500th research flight. For the record, James Dorsey chose a chocolate Cornetto, and rather enjoyed it.