Meteorological Support of Voyager World Flight, 14–23 December 1986

Abstract

Meteorological support for the record-breaking, nine-day, nonstop, non-refueled flight around the world by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager in the Voyager aircraft 14?23 December 1986 is described. The strict meteorological criteria demanded by the flight restrictions of the unique Voyager aircraft and the facilities and meteorological tools used are discussed. A detailed description of the weather encountered during the world flight and the meteorological reasoning involved during selection of critical flight tracks are given. Satellite pictures and operational weather charts are used in an attempt to retain the authenticity of the meteorological background of this historic flight.