Our IRD base of operations is in St. John's, Newfoundland. This guide provides information on IRD operations ad highlights some guidelines for participation in reconnaissance fights.
St. John's Newfoundland Useful Links:
Bring plenty of spare batteries. Due to a limited number of power sources on the aircraft, there will not be any spare electrical connections.
If recording sound, consider a small remote (peanut or lapel) microphone which can be placed inside a headset (we'll loan a headset, which you may need to share). Sound levels can reach up to 110 decibels inside the plane, and the headset is the only reliable way to be heard and understood.
Radio-transmitting (wireless) microphone systems have been known to fail during flight, possibly due to interference with aircraft radios. We suggest using cables.
If you're lucky enough to see a large iceberg, a wide-angle lens works well.
Some polarizing lenses will experience interference from our windows.
Be aware that if any of your equipment interferes with the aircraft's electronic systems, you will be told to stop to ensure personal and aircraft safety.
You are responsible for your own transportation while in St. John's, Newfoundland. A number of the larger automobile rental companies have offices at the International Airport.
There is no guarantee that we'll land at the same base from which we depart --usually we know ahead of time, but not always. The weather in St. John's is highly variable!
If we land at a different location and we have completed all our patrols, you may need to arrange your return trip from there. So remain flexible!
Due to increased security measures, all foreign media are required to meet the International Ice Patrol in New London, CT, or Air Station Elizabeth City in NC prior to transiting to Canada. In the past, media crews arrived prior to the RECDET’s scheduled departure and filmed the pre-deployment brief held in the Ice Patrol’s operations center. Special arrangements can be made to allow foreign media to meet the RECDET crew in Canada through a request to the International Ice Patrol’s Public Affairs Officer.
We have an outstanding safety record, but we still have each passenger sign a standard release form. This is required before you board the flight.
We don't recommend anyone fly with a head cold. We do not carry any medications on board the aircraft. If medications (tylenol, decongestants, motion sickness pills) are necessary, you must provide them. Most of our guests do not encounter problems with airsickness, but please do notbe embarrassed if you don't feel well (for ANY reason)--let a crewmember know so we can help. We can provide airsickness bags if you feel tha one might be necessary.
We recommend you have a light meal prior to flying. You may also want to bring along a bag lunch and some additional snacks, since the flight will be 6-7 hours long. We do not have any refrigeration onboard, so bring non-perishable foods or a cooler with ice.
The humidity in the aircraft is generally very low (approx. 10%). Therefore, it is recommended you bring plenty of water, lotion, and lip balm.
Bottom line: comfortable! Flat, comfortable shoes or boots. Sunglasses for viewing out the window. Bring enough funds, personal items, professional equipment/supplies to be self-sufficientfor a number of days.
Think cold when dressing for an Ice Patrol flight. Long pants and consider some long underwear. It is very cold at search altitude and the aircraft is not well insulated, especially near the floor. Dress in layers and pay attention to your feet. There are parts of the airplane that are colder than others.
Our crews normally meet two hours prior to takeoff. We would like you to either meet us when we depart from the hotel lobby in St. John's or at the Torbay Aero Services lobby. The Tactical Commander will give you the time and place to meet. For travel planning, the airport is St. John's International Airport (the only one in St. John's, Newfoundland).