Looks like they may be doing mapping or photo flights.
Most people don't realize the the "Satellite" imagery used in Google Maps is actually from USGS photo flights.
This is the first time I've seen one using my little ADS-B receiver and display program.
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There's no Google satellite that drives around????
ReplyDeleteHAH! When I was working for DirecTV, I always had people ask me if I installed the dishes. I told them no, I worked at the Uplink where all the programming was sent up to the satellite from. 99% of the people said "Satellite? What satellite?" because they had no clue where their DirecTV service was coming from.
DeleteThat must be "interesting" flying especially in the afternoon and a mountain wave forming.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a bumpy ride.
DeleteSounds like the beginning of nirvana to a sailplane pilot.
DeleteThere's a gliderport here that's open weather permitting, but I haven't seen any glider/tow plane traffic.
Delete.gov contractor... http://www.marcflightservices.com/
ReplyDeleteYup. I've also picked up KC-10's and KC-135's orbiting the Aerial Refueling Routes, and several AWACS aircraft.
DeleteSaw something similar, circular orbits that I interpreted as real estate photo shoots. The plane had a camera installation, but who knows.
ReplyDeleteMust have been a good size drone if it had an ADS-B transponder onboard!
DeleteCould be radiological surveys. Just found out that even our police have mapped the background radiation sources of our city so they can see if anything has changed along a particular route, for instance... Homeland provides the money...
ReplyDeleten
Thanks, Nick. I never knew that before.
DeleteYeah, me either, but it makes sense. Interesting the things you can learn by being out and involved in your community.
DeleteSome might say Meatspace Baby!
They were a lot cagier about where the fixed rad detectors were located (typically beside roads into and out of cities...)
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@Dr. Jim-not a drone, full sized aircraft. Don't remember exactly, might have been a light twin.
ReplyDeleteOh, DUH! Sorry, Ritchie, had a little brain-fade there!
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