Information AboutSky Blu |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT SKY BLU | |
| outposts of antarctica | |
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Sky Blu is a forward operating station for the British Antarctic Survey . It is in an area of Blue Ice (ice, hardened and polished by the wind with low snow accumulation). It was first located by BAS in 1993-94 and rapidly became an essential tool in BASs ability to operate further south. This is mainly because Blue Ice allows wheeled aircraft to land on the runway. BAS can therefore fly its Dash-7 4-engined plane from Rothera directly to Sky Blu. The dash has a much higher load carrying capability than the Twin Otters used by BAS previously. The facility is used to store fuel (in drums) and field equipment for onward transport by the Twin Otters. Sky Blu became fully operational in the 1997-98 field season, and has had an increase in use by BAS ever since. The old field camp at Ski Hi Nunatacks was abandoned soon after, with the weather station finally being removed in November 2004. The camp is staffed by a minimum of 2, but usually 3 (including a mechanic). Staff eat and sleep in a Melon hut, but there is also a garage and other tents. The Blue Ice runway is groomed by the camp staff using commercial lightweight snow ploughs and blowers (they have to fit in a Dash 7). When the wind is favourable, and the conditions good, a runway 1.2 km in length and 50 m wide is possible. It is marked by flags and large colourful bin bags (to improve contrast for approaching planes). The nature of Blue Ice is that they come with high winds, and staff at Sky Blu will regularly encounter winds of 50 to 60 knots. However, operations are often hampered by much lighter winds causing knee high drift to reduce contrast. External Link BAS Sky Blu Web Site |
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