Report on aircraft operations in Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition

Abstract

A small fixed wing aircraft was used in the summer seasons from the First Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-1,1956-57) to JARE-12 (1970-71) at Syowa Station, Antarctica. However, flight hours were less than 55 hours in each summer season because of the limited operation period of relief ships in the vicinity of Syowa Station. In recent years, one Cessna 185 and one Pilatus PC-6 were operated throughout the year at Syowa Station by two pilots and one mechanic, stationing the aircraft for two years at Syowa and repatriating one year. The recent total yearly flight hours are over 350 hours. Since the aircrafts are operated from a sea-ice runway, several problems are experienced such as the deterioration of the runway surface during midsummer, mooring of aircraft, and sea ice breaking. To ensure the safe operation, various precautions are taken on flight plan, maintenance of aircraft, weather observations, and other matters.