NOAA and USAF ‘Hurricane Hunter’ aircraft to visit Washington, D.C.

Media and the public can meet NOAA hurricane experts, scientists and crew members and get a look at some of the aircraft that help forecasters keep us safe – NOAA’s WP-3D Orion “Hurricane Hunter” aircraft, NOAA’s G-IV aircraft, NOAA’s Beechcraft aircraft, and a U.S. Air Force Reserve WC-130J “Hurricane Hunter.”

The tour will take place during National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 7-13. For tips on staying safe this hurricane season, visit http://www.weather.gov/os/hurricane/. Other stops on the week-long tour include Gander, Newfoundland, Canada; Islip, N.Y.; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Orlando, Fla.; and Opa Locka, Fla.

WHAT:
NOAA Hurricane Awareness Tour for media and the public, including a media briefing.

WHO:
Ben Friedman, acting administrator, NOAA
Robert J. Fenton, Jr., acting administrator, FEMA
Rick Knabb, Ph.D., director, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center

Forecasters from the National Hurricane Center, the NWS Baltimore/Washington forecast office, and crew members of the NOAA and USAF aircraft will be available for one-on-one interviews and aircraft tours.

Media must reserve interview times for all hurricane experts and federal officials through Chris Strong.

WHEN:
Tuesday, May 9

10:00 a.m. Media briefing
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Media/VIP tours of aircraft
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. School group tours
2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Public tours

WHERE:
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Signature Aviation hangar (general aviation), the southernmost hangar on property
Thomas Avenue
Arlington, Va 22202

PARKING: Available in the surface Economy lot on the south end of the airport. There is a fee to park. This lot is directly next to the Signature Aviation hangar. Additionally, there is limited parking for satellite trucks next to the hangar, and this must be registered in advance with Chris Strong.