WHO: University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science Dean Roni Avissar and scientists.

WHAT: Media-only event for an advanced preview of the UM Rosenstiel School’s one-of-a-kind Helicopter Observation Platform (HOP). The flying scientific laboratory allows scientists to obtain vital information about our climate, environment and human health.

WHEN: Monday, April 13, 2015 at 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.  (WEATHER PERMITTING)

Media is requested to arrive promptly at 8:30 a.m. to set up for HOP arrival photo ops. Once the aircraft has landed and clearance has been received from pilot, media will have the opportunity to approach for close-up shots and one-on-one interviews with UM Rosenstiel School Dean and Chief Pilot Roni Avissar and other scientists.

WHERE: Virginia Key Beach Park, 4020 Virginia Beach Drive Miami, Florida 33149

WHY: The commercial Airbus Helicopters H125 (formerly AS350 B3e) is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support the research missions of the Rosenstiel School scientists and research institutions around the world by improving our understanding of Earth’s environmental processes. The aircraft is capable of collecting critical scientific information at the Earth’s surface, whether marine or continental, and the atmospheric boundary layer above it, where much of the action for the climate system is taking place.

Fully fueled and with both pilot and co-pilot on board, the HOP can carry a scientific payload of up to 1,000 lbs internally (about 3,000 lbs externally) and fly for nearly four hours without refueling at an airspeed of 65 knots, which is ideal for in-situ observations. Its fast cruising speed is 140 knots and its range, at that speed, is 350 nautical miles.

HOP will facilitate in scientific studies of seasonal events, such as Saharan dust storms, which have an impact on marine ecosystems, weather and climate (including hurricanes), and air quality. The aircraft can also aid in identification and rapid assessment of human hazards, such as “red tide” events, sinkholes, and post-disaster measurements such as surge and its multiple impacts. The helicopter’s ability to access remote areas makes it ideal for remote environmental exploration and wildlife studies.

The new aircraft complements an array of cutting-edge research resources at UM, including the R/V F.G. Walton Smith, an advanced research catamaran designed for tropical oceanography; the Center for Southeastern Tropical Advanced Remote Sensing (CSTARS) a real-time, high-resolution satellite imagery facility; and the new one-of-kind SUSTAIN (SUrge STructure Atmosphere INteraction) research facility, the only laboratory in the world with a wind-wave-storm surge simulator capable of generating Category 5 hurricane-force winds in a 3-D test environment. SUSTAIN Video

About the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School

The University of Miami is the largest private research institution in the southeastern United States. The University’s mission is to provide quality education, attract and retain outstanding students, support the faculty and their research, and build an endowment for University initiatives. Founded in the 1940’s, the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science has grown into one of the world’s premier marine and atmospheric research institutions. Offering dynamic interdisciplinary academics, the Rosenstiel School is dedicated to helping communities to better understand the planet, participating in the establishment of environmental policies, and aiding in the improvement of society and quality of life. For more information, visit:  www.rsmas.miami.edu.