Finalreport PDF

2017 FINAL OPERATIONS REPORT
THE NORTH DAKOTA

CLOUD MODIFICATION PROJECT
NORTH DAKOTA ATMOSPHERIC RESOURCE BOARD
Tel: 701.235.5500 • Fax: 701.235.9717 • 3802 20th Street N • Fargo, ND • USA

www.weathermodification.com
North Dakota Cloud Modification Project
Final Operations Report 2017

Report prepared for

State of North Dakota
Atmospheric Resource Board
State Water Commission
900 E Boulevard Ave
Bismarck, ND 58505

by

Weather Modification LLC
3802 20th Street North
Fargo, ND 58102
Phone 701.235.5500
Fax 701.235.9717

www.weathermodification.com

NOVEMBER 2017


ND Atmospheric Resource Board • North Dakota Cloud Modification Project

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report details the activities of Weather Modification International (WMI) during the 2017 North Dakota
Cloud Modification Project (NDCMP) field operations. This was the 57th consecutive summer season of the
NDCMP, and the second season of a new three year contract with the North Dakota Atmospheric Resource
Board (NDARB). WMI provided eight specially modified aircraft, seeding equipment, pilots, aircraft
maintenance, aircraft tracking and telemetry systems, intern co‐pilot training, and communications
equipment in the ARB radar offices.

The aircraft combination used this year was the same as the last three years, with a high‐performance,
turbine powered aircraft (Beechcraft C90A King Air) serving as the Williston cloud‐top seeding aircraft. The
Minot aircraft and one of the Bowman aircraft were called “hybrid” seeding aircraft; hybrid aircraft (Cessna
340A) are primarily base seeders, but they do have the capability and equipment to conduct top seeding.
The other five aircraft (Piper Seneca II) on the project were used for base seeding only.

Fig. 1. S1 N340FR (hybrid C340A aircraft) refuels on the Bowman tarmac between hail missions on June 29, 2017.
District 1 operated 7.44 flight hours that day. Photo by WMI pilot Kirk Hamilton (Seed 1).
District I included Bowman County and southern Slope County (Hume, Carroll, Cash, Connor, Sheets, Mineral
Springs, and Cedar Creek Townships). Two aircraft were based in Bowman, one capable of conducting top
seeding (C340A “hybrid”) and the other a base‐seeder (Seneca II). District II operated in McKenzie,
Mountrail, Ward, Williams and Burke Counties. One cloud‐base aircraft each was based in Stanley and
Kenmare; two cloud‐base aircraft were based in Watford City. A “hybrid” C340A aircraft was based in Minot,
and the cloud‐top aircraft was based in Williston.

Operations were conducted on a 24‐hours per day, 7‐days per week basis. The project period ran from June
1 through August 31 for both districts. The eight project aircraft flew a total of 391.37 hours, 103.64 hours in
District I and 287.73 hours in District II. Together 65.257 kilograms of silver iodide and 1290.3 pounds of dry
ice pellets were dispensed during the 2017 project.

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Fig. 2. 2017 NDCMP flight operations per aircraft type and location.
After a drier‐than‐normal winter and mild, fairly‐dry spring, all counties within the target areas conducted
rain enhancement operations from June 1st – August 31st, in additional to hail suppression operations. This
was the first time since 2012 that no suspension of rain enhancement operations occurred. Moderate‐to‐
severe drought persisted in District I for the entire summer, while drought conditions worsened to extreme
and exceptional in large portions of District II during July and August (see Fig. 3). During June and July,
conditions remained similar in terms of number of operations and flight hours, while operations in August
declined significantly, especially for District I.

Overall, it was a very dry summer with fewer seeding opportunities than average due to a lack of suitable
clouds. Due to the drought, cloud bases tended to be quite high, typically over 10000ft MSL. This meant
that many storms that were already starved for moisture produced rain that was unable to make it to the
ground. Aircraft were often not launched to these virga‐producing cells, as the seeding effect would have
been negligible, perhaps turning virga into very light drizzle. Attempts that were made, resulted in pilot
reports of precipitation not reaching the surface. Cells with visible cloud‐to‐ground rain shafts, and those
that met radar or report‐based hail criteria were seeded fairly aggressively, but these were few and far
between compared to the virga‐only producers.

The 2017 season ended with a total of 391.37 flight hours, which is significantly lower than the 20‐year
average of 613.07, the 15‐year average of 560.69, the 10‐year average of 542.971, and the 5‐year average of
556.71. Low flight hour totals were last experienced summer of 2011 when 391.58 flight hours were
conducted.

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Fig. 3. US Drought Monitor Index for North Dakota for June 6‐September 5, 2017. For more info please visit
http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................................... 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................. 6
LIST OF FIGURES ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.0 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 9
2.0 ECONOMIC IMPACT ................................................................................................................................. 12
3.0 2017 AIRCRAFT CONTRACTOR ................................................................................................................ 13
4.0 PROJECT DESIGN ...................................................................................................................................... 14
5.0 OPERATIONAL AREAS .............................................................................................................................. 15
5.1 WMI AIRCRAFT BASE LOCATIONS .................................................................................................................................. 15
5.2 NDARB WEATHER RADAR SITES ................................................................................................................................... 16
6.0 DAILY OPERATIONS .................................................................................................................................. 16
7.0 AIRCRAFT ................................................................................................................................................. 17
7.1 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................................................................. 19
7.2 WMI AIRCRAFT TELEMETRY SYSTEM ‐ AIRLINK ................................................................................................................ 20
8.0 SEEDING EQUIPMENT .............................................................................................................................. 21
8.1 SEEDING EQUIPMENT PERFORMANCE ............................................................................................................................. 24
9.0 WEATHER RADAR SYSTEMS ..................................................................................................................... 26
10.0 PROJECT RECORD KEEPING ..................................................................................................................... 30
11.0 WMI AND NDARB PROJECT PERSONNEL ................................................................................................. 32
11.1 GROUND SCHOOL ....................................................................................................................................................... 32
11.2 PILOTS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 33
11.3 CO‐PILOT INTERNSHIP ................................................................................................................................................. 34
11.4 NDARB METEOROLOGY STAFF ..................................................................................................................................... 35
11.5 NDARB ADMINISTRATION ........................................................................................................................................... 35
11.6 WEATHER MODIFICATION INC. ADMINISTRATION ............................................................................................................. 35
11.7 NDCMP PROJECT PERSONNEL PICTURES ........................................................................................................................ 36
12.0 PUBLIC RELATIONS .................................................................................................................................. 37
12.1 SAMA CONFERENCE ................................................................................................................................................... 37
12.2 BOWMAN COUNTY FAIR .............................................................................................................................................. 37
12.3 US SENATOR HEIDI HEITKAMP VISITS BOWMAN, ND ........................................................................................................ 37
12.4 BOWMAN REGIONAL AIRPORT VOLUNTEERING ................................................................................................................ 37
13.0 AWARDS ................................................................................................................................................... 39
14.0 CONTRACTOR’S SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................... 40
APPENDIX ............................................................................................................................................................. 42

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LIST OF FIGURES
Fig. 1. S1 N340FR (hybrid C340A aircraft) refuels on the Bowman tarmac between hail missions on June 29,
2017. District 1 operated 7.44 flight hours that day. Photo by WMI pilot Kirk Hamilton (Seed 1). .................... 3
Fig. 2. 2017 NDCMP flight operations per aircraft type and location. ................................................................ 4
Fig. 3. US Drought Monitor Index for North Dakota for June 6‐September 5, 2017. For more info please visit
http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/ ......................................................................................................................... 5
Fig. 4. WMI aircraft await a NDCMP summer season on the ramp in Bowman, ND. Image taken between
1982‐1984, source unknown. ............................................................................................................................. 9
Fig. 5. NDCMP 2017 Operational Target Areas. ............................................................................................... 10
Fig. 6. NDARB Meteorologist Jeff Ceratto walks alongside dry prairies near Bowman on July 12, 2017.
Drought conditions continue to intensify at the summer season progressed. The lack of seedable clouds is
evident in this image. Photo by Intern co‐pilot Shelby Scorse. ........................................................................ 12
Fig. 7. Weather Modification and Fargo Jet Center LLC headquarters at Hector International Airport, Fargo,
ND. .................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Fig. 8. Seed 2 (N33144) seeds with burners during a hail mission on July 10, 2017. Photo by WMI pilot
Steffany Royal (Seed 2). .................................................................................................................................... 14
Fig. 9. An aerial view of the Bowman Regional Airport on a clear day. Photo by WMI Pilot Kirk Hamilton. .... 15
Fig. 10. The radar site at Bowman Airport on a clear mid‐summer day. Photo by WMI Pilot Kirk Hamilton. . 16
Fig. 11. WMI District I aircraft (N340FR and N33144) arrive in Bowman on May 26, 2017 for the start of the
2017 NDCMP. Photo by WMI pilot Steffany Royal. .......................................................................................... 17
Fig. 12. Kirk Hamilton, WMI Captain, and his Intern co‐pilot, Shelby Scorse stand in front of N340FR (Seed 1)
in Bowman, ND. ................................................................................................................................................ 18
Fig. 13. Kirk Hamilton, WMI Captain, checks N340FR’s tail beacon light after a mission. Despite
troubleshooting and assistance from the local aircraft maintenance operator, a quick trip to Fargo was
required for electrical work. The aircraft was swiftly returned to service and no operations were
compromised. Also pictured are NDARB Meteorologist, Jeff Cerrato and Intern co‐pilot Matthew Adamski.
Photo by WMI pilot Steffany Royal. .................................................................................................................. 19
Fig. 14. WMI seeding Piper Seneca II aircraft. Photos by Keisuke Yoshimura (2013 SIC Intern), Kirk Hamilton
(2017 Seed 1 Captain) and Steffany Royal (2017 Seed 2 Captain). ................................................................... 21
Fig. 15. A WMI C340A seeding aircraft. Photos courtesy of Kirk Hamilton (2017 Seed 1 Captain), Artie
Cifarelli (2017 Seed 9 Captain) and WMI. ......................................................................................................... 22
Fig. 16. WMI cloud top Beechcraft King Air C90A aircraft N709EA, Seed 7, in Williston. Photos by WMI. ..... 23
Fig. 17. NDCMP 10‐Year Generator Failure rate chart. .................................................................................... 24
Fig. 18. L to R, Matthew Standridge (NDARB Intern Meteorologist), Jeff Ceratto (NDARB Meteorologist),
Shelby Scorse and Dakotah Osborn (NDARB Intern co‐pilots), and Steffany Royal (WMI Seed 2 Captain) work
together to mix chemical for use in the aircraft burners. Photo by WMI pilot Kirk Hamilton. ......................... 25

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Fig. 19. Jeff Ceratto, NDARB Meteorologist, and Mark Schneider, NDARB Chief Meteorologist, review radar
data at the Bowman Ops Center in July 2017. Photo by WMI pilot Kirk Hamilton. .......................................... 26
Fig. 20. Stanley weather radar display at 21:43 UTC on July 29, 2017 showing cells north of Tioga, ND.
Displayed are aircraft flight tracks for Seed 9 (N37360, Red), Seed 7 (N709EA, Yellow) and Seed 8 (N121WA,
Green). See Fig. 21 for a zoomed in perspective. Radar imagery courtesy of Paul Moen, NDARB. ................ 28
Fig. 21. A zoomed in view of the Stanley weather radar display at 21:43 UTC on July 29, 2017. This image
shows Seed 7, 8, and 9; however, as the storm system progressed, Seed 4 and Seed 6 also launched. A total
of 5,636 grams and 84.73 lbs. of dry ice were dispensed over 19.04 flight hours that day. Radar imagery
courtesy of Paul Moen, NDARB. ........................................................................................................................ 29
Fig. 22. PARS App on a NDCMP iPad in the cockpit of N33144 (Seed 2). Photo by Intern co‐pilot Shelby
Scorse. ............................................................................................................................................................... 30
Fig. 23. Foreflight™ display showing the seeding aircraft position relative to a radar displayed storm on
August 12th. Photo by Intern co‐pilot Shelby Scorse. ....................................................................................... 31
Fig. 24. Mark Schneider and WMI pilot Chance Faul (Seed 5) demonstrate chemical mixing procedures
during 2017 Ground School in Bismarck, ND. Photo courtesy of NDARB. ........................................................ 32
Fig. 25. Kirk Hamilton (C340 Captain) and Jody Fischer snap a quick selfie before taking off for a training
flight in Fargo, ND ............................................................................................................................................. 33
Fig. 26. Matt Standridge, NDARB meteorology Intern, and Shelby Scorse, NDARB co‐pilot Intern refuel Seed 2
(N33144). .......................................................................................................................................................... 34
Fig. 27. Kirk Hamilton, WMI Captain, shakes the hand of US Senator Heidi Heitkamp during the 2017 summer
season. Sen. Heitkamp spent time with the District I crew learning about the ND Cloud Modification Project
and General Aviation as it relates to rural airports like Bowman. ..................................................................... 37
Fig. 28. District I Team from left‐right: Kirk Hamilton, Shelby Scorse, Matt Standridge, Jeff Ceratto, and Matt
Adamski. Not pictured ‐ Steffany Royal (photographer and Seed 2 Captain) and Dakotah Osborne (Intern co‐
pilot). ................................................................................................................................................................. 38
Fig. 29. Certificates awarded to Matt Standridge and Anna Mattson. Thank you for all your contributions
during the 2017 North Dakota Cloud Modification Project. We wish you many successes on your future
endeavors! ........................................................................................................................................................ 39
Fig. 30. Hans P. Ahlness photo collage created by NDCMP alumnus Herb Ballou (2004‐2006). Thank you
Herb for capturing Hans in action! .................................................................................................................... 41

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
North Dakota farmers have historically faced above‐average crop losses due to hail and drought; these
challenges have contributed to reduced crop yields and farm incomes. This led to the search for ways to
manage these conditions, which could consequently improve the average North Dakotan’s quality of life.
One promising new technology was the emerging science of weather modification. The first cloud seeding
activities of record in North Dakota occurred in 1951, performed by farmers using ground based generators.
In 1961, the founders of Weather Modification International began using aircraft for a program to suppress
hail in an initial target area of 540 square miles, in the central area of what is now District I. This area has
had an active program in some form each year since, with the exception of 1990 when District I did not
participate in cloud seeding operations due to budget constraints.

Operations to the north (in what is now District II) started one year later and have remained active in various
counties every year since. This year marked the 59th season of some form of cloud seeding in Ward County.
A third district, including Benson, Nelson, and Griggs Counties, operated from 1974 through the 1981
season. In the mid 1970’s, there were as many as 17 counties in North Dakota participating in the cloud
seeding program. The number has decreased due to various factors over the years, but currently there are 7
active counties in target areas that cover
11,554 square miles (or, almost 7.4 million
acres) – over 16% of the state’s area.
Fig. 4. WMI aircraft await a NDCMP season on
the ramp in Bowman, ND. Image taken by Hans
Ahlness, summer of 1984.
In 1965 and 1969, legislation was passed in
North Dakota enabling counties and
townships to levy two mills for funding of
cloud seeding projects. The source of
funds was this 2 mill levy, by township
elections under NDCC Chapter 58‐03‐07, or
by voluntary funding. The Program was
primarily implemented by emphasizing hail reduction. Rain enhancement operations provided added
economic benefits to those counties which had an Authority. Counties or associations of counties pooled
resources to finance their local programs. The North Dakota Legislature established the North Dakota
Weather Modification Board (NDWMB), later renamed the Atmospheric Resource Board (ARB) in the 1975
legislative session. The State Legislature further provided an appropriation for the remainder of the
biennium to implement the 1976 operational program on a cost sharing basis.

The cloud seeding projects before the creation of the NDWMB had been paid for by voluntary contributions
and county appropriations. The 1976 operational program included 50% state matching funds equaling the
county appropriations in support of the project in their area. These matched county funds were used
specifically for field operational costs. As state matching fund levels dropped through the mid‐1980’s, many
counties dropped out of the program. State funds were also used for research and evaluation, although
some federal funds supported UND‐trained co‐pilots and evaluation data underwritten by the Bureau of
Reclamation.

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Fig. 5. NDCMP 2017 Operational Target Areas.

In November 2016, Bowman County voters voted 70.13% in favor of continuing the Bowman County
Weather Modification Authority, versus 29.87% against continuing. Therefore 2017 operations continued as
in previous season and Bowman County’s cost sharing with the state remained unchanged.

The recently concluded 2017 program was the 43rd consecutive season under the Board's direction. The
North Dakota Atmospheric Resource Board is comprised of seven members appointed by the Governor of
North Dakota. Each member represents a geographic district and serves a four year term. Weather
modification authorities within the districts establish possible candidates through nomination. Ex‐officio
members also serve on the board.

2017 NDCMP BOARD MEMBERS (*Denotes Chair, **Vice Chair)
DISTRICT I Monte Hininger Williston, ND
DISTRICT 2 Henry “Hank” Bodmer* Kenmare, ND
DISTRICT 3 Rep. David Monson Osnabrock, ND
DISTRICT 4 Vacant as of 7/1/17
DISTRICT 5 Casey Veil Jamestown, ND
DISTRICT 6 Tom Tupa Bismarck, ND
DISTRICT 7 Bobb Brewer** Bowman, ND

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EX‐OFFICO MEMBERS
Garland Erbele, P.E. ND State Water Commission
Kyle Wanner ND Aeronautics Commission
Rob White ND Department of Health

2017 NDCMP COUNTY AUTHORITY MEMBERS (*Denotes Chair)
DISTRICT I
BOWMAN COUNTY SEVERE WEATHER MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
Wayne Mrnak, Bowman* Robb Narum, Bowman*
Wes Andrews, Bowman Ryan Brooks, Bowman
Bobb Brewer, Bowman Dan Powell, Bowman
Dean Pearson (Treasurer), Bowman Wayne Wegner, Bowman
Wade Schaaf, Bowman

DISTRICT II
MCKENZIE COUNTY BURKE COUNTY
Eldean Flynn, Cartwright* John Moen, Powers Lake*
Rodney Cross, Alexander David Black, Bowbells
Roger Flatland, Watford City Terry Nelson, Columbus
Gary Levang, Keene
Luke Taylor, Watford City

MOUNTRAIL COUNTY WARD COUNTY
Aaron Skarsgard, Stanley* Henry “Hank” Bodmer, Kenmare*
Jim Goettle, Donnybrook Jerome Behm, Burlington
Tim Johnson, Stanley Roger Neshem, Berthold
Mark Nesheim, Palermo Gail Yuly (Treasurer), Minot
Vacant Vacant

WILLIAMS COUNTY
Jeff Knox, Ray*
John Hovde, Epping
Keith Overland, Williston
Corey Paryzek, Williston
Paul Weyrauch, Ray

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2.0 ECONOMIC IMPACT
In February 2009, a report prepared for the NDARB estimated the NDCMP’s impact on the state’s economy.
An update of a 1998 analysis, the study considered the value of hail suppression and enhanced rainfall during
the growing season. Using the harvested acreage of the top eight crops plus alfalfa, the study combined
crop insurance data, production statistics, and NDCMP results to estimate the added value of the project for
both the actual target areas and the benefits if the project was statewide. Rain enhancement was figured at
two levels, a 5% and a 10% increase (covering the range of results from long‐term evaluations of the
NDCMP), and combined with hail reduction estimates to derive the results.

In the NDCMP seeded counties, the direct economic value of cloud seeding was estimated to range from
$5.16 to $8.41 per planted acre, or $12‐19.7 million in direct benefits to agriculture production. Compared
to the cost of the project, those figures would give a benefit‐to‐cost ratio of 16‐to‐1 up to 26‐to‐1 – an
excellent return on investment. Adding secondary economic activity into the mix, the gross economic
benefits just to the District 1 and District 2 counties could be $37.1 million to $60.5 million. This shows the
huge benefit that the NDCMP can provide.

If the NDCMP were expanded to a statewide program, which the ARB estimated could be run for about $3
million per year, the study estimated that the direct benefits would range from $95.4 million to $134.5
million. When direct and secondary economic activities are combined, the increased gross business volume
statewide was estimated to range between $293.8 million and $414.2 million – enormous potential impacts.
A copy of the complete report and other NDCMP program evaluations are available on the North Dakota
State Water Commission website at: http://www.swc.nd.gov/arb. On the navigation panel, click on ND Cloud
Modification Project and then Program Evaluations.

Fig. 6. NDARB Meteorologist Jeff Ceratto walks alongside dry prairies near Bowman on July 12, 2017. Drought
conditions continue to intensify as the summer season progressed. The lack of seedable clouds is evident in this image.
Photo by Intern co‐pilot Shelby Scorse.
Counting ARB staff, ARB Board of Directors, the six participating County Weather Modification Boards, Slope
County Severe Weather Management Association members, and applicable WMI and FJC staff, there were
over 100 people directly associated with some facet of the 2017 NDCMP. This does not include the local
vendors and technicians employed by the ARB and WMI during the season.

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3.0 2017 AIRCRAFT CONTRACTOR
Weather Modification International is a global atmospheric sciences company committed to continued
advances in the field of weather modification. With over 55 years of successful operations, WMI has
pioneered safe and effective techniques for cloud seeding. These advances have made it possible to conduct
operations 24 hours per day, seven days a week. These techniques – many formulated in North Dakota
operations – have allowed WMI to provide aircraft, seeding and research equipment, radars, personnel, and
company expertise in the areas of cloud physics research and atmospheric sampling for various
governmental agencies and private entities around the world.

WMI was originally formed in 1961 in Bowman, North Dakota, and the anti‐hail program begun at that time
was the genesis of the current NDCMP. WMI relocated to Fargo, ND in 1993 and a sibling company, Fargo
Jet Center LLC (FJC) was incorporated in 1994. Since then, WMI has grown exponentially. Today, WMI
facilities in Fargo have more than tripled in size and employees with FJC number more than 180 personnel
worldwide. FJC adds a wide range of aviation services including a charter flight department, aircraft refueling
services, an FAA approved aircraft maintenance and overhaul facility, avionics shop, aircraft rental and a
flight school.

Fig. 7. Weather Modification and Fargo Jet Center LLC headquarters at Hector International Airport, Fargo, ND.

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FJC also operates Premier Jet Center, a full service FBO/repair station, paint and upholstery shop, and
Exclusive Aircraft Sales based in Eden Prairie, MN. The operating companies frequently share resources,
skills, talents, and equipment – each contributes to the success of the other. The synergy realized from
several multi‐faceted operating companies highlights a strong aviation enterprise that continues to grow.

Weather Modification LLC as part of a three‐year contract with the NDARB provided the services described
herein. This year marks the 57th summer season WMI has contributed to the program. Weather
Modification International is dedicated to providing the NDARB with reliable, professional operations now
and into the future, and our personnel are proud to be a part of the North Dakota Cloud Modification
Project.

4.0 PROJECT DESIGN
The design of the 2017 North Dakota Cloud Modification Project was based on techniques developed and
refined over years of operational programs. These techniques, many developed here in North Dakota, were
used in conjunction with seeding criteria evolved by compatible research programs and the comprehensive
North Dakota Cloud Modification Project Operations Manual, March 1993, latest revision May 2015. A
companion manual, the NDCMP Radar
Applications Manual (latest revision May 2012)
provides guidance for the project meteorology
staff.

As set forth by the NDARB, the project design is
a “non‐randomized, development and
operational program for the purposes of
decreasing hail damage, increasing seasonal
rainfall, and achieving certain development
objectives for improved operations”. In
summary, the project design is one in which
any cloud that meets the criteria for increasing
rainfall or decreasing hail is seeded (within the
limits of equipment and personnel) rather than
clouds being chosen on a random basis for
seeding. In theory, any project member can
initiate seeding operations, but in practice the
ARB radar meteorologists usually direct when
and where the WMI pilots operate.
Fig. 8. Seed 2 (N33144) seeds with burners during a
hail mission on July 10, 2017. Photo by WMI pilot
Steffany Royal (Seed 2).

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5.0 OPERATIONAL AREAS
North Dakota weather modification activities were conducted in two operational target areas, or Districts.
District I included Bowman County, as well as Hume, Carroll, Cash, Connor, Sheets, Mineral Springs, and
Cedar Creek Townships in Slope County. District II encompassed Williams, McKenzie, Mountrail, Burke and
Ward Counties.
5.1 WMI Aircraft Base Locations
Aircraft bases are determined by the ARB in cooperation with the county weather modification authorities
and WMI. Airports are chosen using location, runway length, fuel availability, and facilities as factors. The
top‐seeding aircraft need to have access to instrument approaches to fully utilize their capabilities. Housing
availability for the crews is also important.

A Cessna 340A (US FAA registration N340FR) and a Piper Seneca II (N33144) were based in Bowman, ND for
District I operations. District II aircraft were based at Kenmare (Seneca II, N121WA), Stanley (Seneca II,
N9798C), Watford City (Seneca II, N39655 and Seneca II, N13AG), Williston (King Air C90A, N709EA), and
Minot (C340A, N37360). There were no operation setbacks due to aircraft problems for the 2017 season. A
spare aircraft remained in Fargo in case it was needed.

This is the second season operations
were conducted from the new radar
office in the terminal building
located at the Bowman Regional
Airport. The new base at Bowman
Regional Airport provides a longer
runway, central facility for pilots and
meteorologists, and added all‐
weather flexibility after the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA)
approved and activated the new
instrument approach procedures.
Fig. 9. An aerial view of the Bowman
Regional Airport on a clear day. Photo
by WMI Pilot Kirk Hamilton.

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5.2 NDARB Weather Radar Sites
Two Enterprise Electronics Corporation WSR‐74C 5‐cm weather radars, both owned by the ARB, were
employed on the project. These radars are surplus and upgraded National Weather Service units, purchased
and moved to the project sites. One unit, each is located at the Bowman and Stanley airports.

A vendor through a separate ARB contract maintained and
calibrated the radars. The ARB owns the structures that house
the radars in Bowman and Stanley, and is donated use of the
operations office in Bowman from Bowman County. The
structure at Stanley was constructed prior to the 1998 field
season. More about the weather radars can be found in
Section 9.0 of this report.

6.0 DAILY OPERATIONS
The 2017 season of the North Dakota Cloud Modification
Project became active at 12 o’clock local time for District I and
District II on June 1. The project ended for both Districts at
11:59 pm local time on August 31, 2017.

Fig. 10. The radar site at Bowman Airport on a clear mid‐summer
day. Photo by WMI Pilot Kirk Hamilton.

Specialized project forecasts were prepared each morning by ARB staff in Bismarck and were based on
National Weather Service data, the UND Weather and Research Forecasting (WRF) model, regional synoptic
observations and satellite information. The meteorologists in the field offices received the daily forecast
either online or by joining, if available, a video conference hosted by the Bismarck Intern Meteorologist at
approximately 12:00 noon, CDT. In the event of significant changes, updates were furnished to the radar
meteorologists by phone and on the website.

Radar meteorologists and pilots all kept an eye out for significant weather activity. Sometimes with input
from the aircraft crews, the ARB meteorologists launched aircraft for seeding missions. Cloud candidates for
seeding were usually chosen by the radar meteorologists, with the pilots making the final determinations
based upon storm inflow, cloud structures, flight safety, and other factors.

WMI supplied multi‐channel VHF (Very High Frequency) aviation‐band communications base station radios
to be used at each radar field office for communications with the seeding aircraft. WMI also supplied
antennae and low‐loss cabling at each site for good reception, and power supplies for the radios that
ensured adequate transmitting power. The NDARB maintains the appropriate FCC radio station licenses for
the radar sites.

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7.0 AIRCRAFT
WMI uses only well‐equipped, twin engine aircraft, for all flight operations. In addition to their high
performance characteristics, in comparison to smaller, single‐engine aircraft, the twin‐engine aircraft provide
an extra measure of safety in bad weather, in‐cloud, and nighttime operations. All of the seeding aircraft are
owned and modified by WMI.

Fig. 11. WMI District I aircraft (N340FR and N33144) arrive in Bowman on May 26, 2017 for the start of the 2017
NDCMP. Photo by WMI pilot Steffany Royal.
Eight seeding aircraft were specified by the 2017 multi‐season contract. WMI operated five Piper Seneca II
(PA34‐200T) aircraft for cloud‐base seeding (Fig. 14), two hybrid Cessna 340A (Fig. 15) aircraft that were
capable of both base and top seeding, and one Beechcraft King Air C90A (Fig. 16). WMI’s Piper PA34‐200T
Seneca II aircraft are turbocharged, twin 200‐horsepower engine light aircraft, while WMI’s Cessna 340A's
are turbocharged, twin 310‐horsepower engine aircraft with pressurized cabins. The Beechcraft King Air
C90A aircraft was used for cloud‐top seeding, though it was also equipped with wing flare racks for cloud‐
base work if needed. The WMI C90A has two 550 hp turboprop engines with a pressurized cabin.

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Besides North Dakota, WMI operates multiple C90’s on projects in Canada during the summer and in Idaho
during the winter; and WMI has operated C340 and C90 aircraft on projects around the world. Beechcraft
King Air Series aircraft have become the desired platform for cloud seeding and atmospheric research
industry wide due to their reliability, payload, and maintenance availability both domestically and
internationally.

Aircraft must be flown and maintained in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and
regulations. WMI’s specially modified cloud seeding aircraft, when fitted with seeding equipment, must be
operated in RESTRICTED category – meaning that their operations are limited to the special purpose operations
for which the equipment installations are certified by the FAA and are bound by extra rules which prohibit these
aircraft from carrying passengers who are not part of the project, among other things.

All aircraft must also be inspected
and maintained according to
approved schedules; the Seneca’s
and C340’s used on this project
must all have a yearly “annual”
inspection and certain required
maintenance checks at each 50
and 100 hours of operation. The
turboprop C90A must be operated
under a progressive inspection
program, and has mandatory 200‐
hr and yearly inspections.
Fig. 12. Kirk Hamilton, WMI Captain,
and his Intern co‐pilot, Shelby Scorse
stand in front of N340FR (Seed 1) in
Bowman, ND.

All of WMI’s seeding aircraft are equipped for flight in icing conditions should the need arise. In addition to
normal aircraft and seeding systems, all aircraft furnished for the project were equipped and certified for
instrument flight rules (IFR) with GPS navigation equipment.

Prior to the 2017 season, all WMI project aircraft underwent renewed annual inspections (as required by the
FAA) and had the appropriate WMI seeding equipment mounted to conform to the project contract
requirements. Project pilots assisted WMI and FJC mechanics in Fargo to prepare the aircraft. This provides
the pilots with valuable training and hands‐on experience with seeding equipment and their particular
aircraft. All seeding generators were flight tested with acetone before delivery to ensure proper operation.

Page 18


The project aircraft were delivered to their sites on May 22 (N340FR and N33144 to Bowman, N9798C to
Minot, N790EA to Williston, N121WA to Kenmare, and N37360 to Minot) and May 26 (N39655 and N13AG
to Watford City). WMI‐supplied VHF voice and data radios for the Bowman and Stanley radars have
remained in place throughout the contract. All of the WMI pilots mixed solution, filled their burners and
flare racks, conducted test flights by sometime early on June 1, and were thereafter ready for missions.
7.1 Aircraft Maintenance
All pre‐season, major aircraft, and seeding equipment maintenance was performed at the WMI/Fargo Jet
Center facilities in Fargo, ND. Jody Fischer, Director of Flight Operations, tracked and supervised the
required maintenance and support for the aircraft during the summer. The Pilot‐In‐Command (PIC) of each
aircraft was instructed to call immediately if any unscheduled
maintenance was required. Each PIC also called WMI Project
Field Representative Brandon Thurston (Williston Seed 7 PIC)
on Sunday of each week to provide the status of their airplane
and to provide the airplane’s total flight time for maintenance
tracking. Thurston used e‐mail and phone to keep Fischer
updated on any problems with aircraft, seeding equipment, or
personnel.

Fig. 13. Kirk Hamilton, WMI Captain, checks N340FR’s tail beacon
light after a mission. Despite troubleshooting and assistance from
the local aircraft maintenance operator, a quick trip to Fargo was
required for electrical work. The aircraft was swiftly returned to
service and no operations were compromised. Also pictured are
NDARB Meteorologist, Jeff Cerrato and Intern co‐pilot Matthew
Adamski. Photo by WMI pilot Steffany Royal.

With the 24/7 nature of WMI’s commitments for the ARB, when an aircraft has a maintenance problem it
needs to be repaired quickly. This means that WMI must either fly a mechanic and parts to the broken
project aircraft or ferry it to Fargo for more extensive work. WMI has always attempted to have smaller
items taken care of by local maintenance shops in western ND when possible. Many of the local shops that
WMI has relied on over the years have lost capable mechanics or are maintaining smaller parts inventories
that don’t match WMI’s needs, which often limits our options. Also, these shops aren’t usually open after
hours or on weekends. In the past few seasons it has become WMI’s procedure to bring project aircraft to
Fargo for maintenance events, as the FJC shop has a large contingent of mechanics and parts at the ready.
Every aircraft will have to undergo various FAA‐required inspections during the project period even if no
repairs were needed, and the WMI/FJC shop can get these done quickly to get the aircraft back out to the
project. This allows us to turn around an aircraft repair or inspection often on the same day, sometimes by
the next day if parts must be ordered.

WMI developed a working relationship with two maintenance shops this season: (1) Bottom Line Aviation
LLC in Bowman and (2) Watford AeroService LLC in Watford City. This allowed WMI to have inspections and
limited maintenance performed on site which reduces the down time of the aircraft due to travel to time to
and from Fargo. WMI provided both of these locations with parts, documentation, and support services.

Page 19


WMI project aircraft made three (03) trips to Fargo for inspections and maintenance at the WMI/FJC shop
during the 2017 summer season. This is significantly less than in previous years. N340FR was the first
aircraft to visit Fargo on June 6th for an electrical lighting problem, it returned to Bowman the next morning.
On June 22nd N709EA discovered a problem with its RH/LH engine ice vein doors, a critical item for protecting
the engine in icing conditions. The crew arrived early morning in Fargo on 6/22, but unforeseen parts orders
delayed their return to Williston till June 25th. The last trip to Fargo was a day trip made on July 23rd by
N9798C for avionics repair. Additionally, Fischer and a WMI/FJC mechanic made one (01) trip from Fargo to
perform maintenance on N33144 in Bowman due to a popped tire on landing. WMI has a large fleet of
aircraft, so a spare C340A seeding aircraft (N8SS) was kept ready and available in Fargo in case one of the
project aircraft developed a problem which would have removed it from service for an extended period. No
aircraft missed a flight operation due to a maintenance issue. While a spare aircraft is not required by the
contract, if one is available WMI always keeps it ready to assure uninterrupted service.
7.2 WMI Aircraft Telemetry System ‐ AirLink
The NDARB contracted with WMI to provide the project radars with equipment to track each seeding
aircraft’s position, altitude and seeding events. Each aircraft was equipped with a WMI “datalogger” system
composed of a purpose‐built computer running WMI’s ADAS (Aircraft Data Acquisition System) software.
The computer receives inputs from the aircraft’s GPS receiver, silver iodide generators, and the firing
systems from the BIP and belly mounted ejectable flare racks. All project aircraft were equipped with a
datalogger as part of the telemetry systems that provided position and altitude information as well as
seeding events. The datalogger systems were designed and are specially built by WMI in Fargo.

The WMI ADAS system logs position from the aircraft GPS (latitude, longitude, altitude, and groundspeed)
during the entire flight at a data rate of once per second. The computer also records the time and location
of seeding events. A telemetry radio in each aircraft transmits the ADAS information to the WMI AirLink
computer in the radar. This information is then sent to the radar’s TITAN computer to generate the aircraft
tracks on the TITAN display (see Fig. 20). Files are created on the aircraft computer’s USB flash drive for later
analysis. The NDARB was provided with the AirLink computer software to replay the flight track data for
post‐flight analysis. The data was downloaded from each aircraft on a regular basis, checked by WMI, and
sent to the ARB at the end of the season.

AirLink is able to provide, in real‐time, a display of the seeding aircraft flight paths generated from aircraft
GPS data. AirLink displays position information, seeding status, and atmospheric microphysical information
(if the aircraft is equipped with probes), all transmitted via radio modem from each seeding aircraft to a
receiver in the radar. The event tracking capability allows the radar meteorologists to determine which
thunderstorm complexes were seeded and the number of flares used. If chosen by the radar operator, files
can also be created on the ground computers in the radars to enable playback of flight tracks for post‐
mission analysis.

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8.0 SEEDING EQUIPMENT
WMI designs, manufactures, and operates a wide variety of seeding equipment. Each PIC received pre‐
season operation and maintenance training on the seeding equipment. WMI maintains an extensive
inventory of seeding equipment spares that was restocked as needed during the project. WMI also
maintains an inventory of spares for the airplanes used on the project to avoid downtime waiting for parts.

Each WMI Seneca II aircraft was outfitted with the following equipment:
 2 WMI‐Lohse ram‐air pressurized liquid‐fueled AgI generators, with a 7‐gallon usable capacity,
calibrated to a flow rate of 3.0 gallons per hour at 120 mph airspeed.
 2 Wing‐mounted flare racks, each capable of carrying 12‐16 burn‐in‐place flares.

Fig. 14. WMI seeding Piper Seneca II aircraft. Photos by Keisuke Yoshimura (2013 SIC Intern), Kirk Hamilton (2017 Seed
1 Captain) and Steffany Royal (2017 Seed 2 Captain).

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Each WMI Cessna 340 aircraft was outfitted with the following equipment:
 2 WMI‐Lohse ram‐air pressurized liquid‐fueled AgI generators, with a 7‐gallon usable capacity,
calibrated to a flow rate of 4.0 gallons per hour at 130 kts airspeed.
 2 Wing‐mounted flare racks, each capable of carrying 12 burn‐in‐place flares.
 2 Belly‐mounted ejectable flare racks, 204 flare capacity total.

Fig. 15. A WMI C340A seeding aircraft. Photos courtesy of Kirk Hamilton (2017 Seed 1 Captain), Artie Cifarelli (2017
Seed 9 Captain) and WMI.

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The WMI King Air C90A aircraft was outfitted with the following equipment:
 2 Wing‐mounted flare racks, each capable of carrying 24 burn‐in‐place flares.
 1 Dry ice dispenser, capable of holding 200 lbs of dry ice pellets.
 3 Belly‐mounted ejectable flare racks, 306 flare capacity total.

Fig. 16. WMI cloud top Beechcraft King Air C90A aircraft N709EA, Seed 7, in Williston. Photos by WMI.

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8.1 Seeding Equipment Performance
The generator performance is a measure of the total time that one seeding generator was inoperative during
hail missions, when two were required. The following graph depicts an accurate illustration of the
percentage that the project aircraft were operating at less than desired capability. The generator failure rate
for the 2017 season was 1.46% or 1.95 hours. Although not the lowest average, the overall total time lost
was less than 2016 by 0.11 hours. This can be attributed to the lower number of generator and flight hours
overall this season.

Fig. 17. NDCMP 10‐Year Generator Failure rate chart.
All of the seeding materials used during the project were supplied by the ARB. These included dry ice pellets,
silver iodide flares (both ejectable and burn‐in‐place), and a silver iodide solution. This solution’s mixture
contains silver iodide, ammonium iodide, paradichloro‐benzene, and sodium perchlorate, all dissolved in
acetone. Chemical formulations have evolved with research and experience, and now incorporate
ingredients that make the formulas faster acting – better for hail suppression operations, where the crews
are often working with fast‐growing storms. The seeding solution was mixed at each field site by the flight
crews. The ARB provided secure storage for the seeding materials at each site.

Page 24


Fig. 18. L to R, Matthew Standridge (NDARB Intern Meteorologist), Jeff Ceratto (NDARB Meteorologist), Shelby Scorse
and Dakotah Osborn (NDARB Intern co‐pilots), and Steffany Royal (WMI Seed 2 Captain) work together to mix chemical
for use in the aircraft burners. Photo by WMI pilot Kirk Hamilton.

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9.0 WEATHER RADAR SYSTEMS
The NDARB operates two five‐centimeter EEC WSR‐74C radars, located at the Bowman and Stanley
airports. Both radars have been upgraded to Doppler, providing meteorologists in the field with velocity
data to forecast rapid storm development from outflow boundaries and to help avoid directing aircraft
into areas of turbulence from microbursts. The Doppler upgrade also improves the sensitivity of the
radars, allowing them to detect early echoes, which aids in the response time for rain enhancement
missions. Another upgrade that is useful for both radar sites is the remote access capabilities, which
allow the radar technician or anyone at the NDARB to monitor the radars remotely and fix any software
problems.

Each radar set has an antenna pedestal and a dish. The antenna pedestal is the elevation‐over‐azimuth type.
The dish is parabolic, 8 ft. (2.4 m) in diameter, constructed of aluminum and installed within a 12 ft. (3.7 m)
diameter fiberglass radome, which protects the radar from wind, precipitation, and hail damage and allows it
to operate continuously. The antenna assembly is positioned on a steel tower at the Bowman Airport (see
Fig. 10), and atop the radar building in Stanley, at an adequate height to provide the best possible radar
coverage for the target areas.

The data collected by the radar are analyzed through an IRIS/TITAN system. The Interactive Radar
Information System (IRIS, a Sigmet/Vaisala product) and the Thunderstorm Identification, Tracking, Analysis,
and Nowcasting (TITAN) system developed by scientists from the National Center for Atmospheric Research
(NCAR) are software/hardware systems provided to each radar site by NDARB. A clone of the software setup
is also kept in Bismarck for remote data analysis.

IRIS is very useful for meteorologists in that it provides the real‐time display of the radar data. Along with
displaying the reflectivity detected at each elevation angle in real‐time, IRIS also has tools available to do
cross sections on the most recently completed scan data (cannot do cross sections on real‐time display data).
IRIS is not as useful when directing
aircraft, since it does not display aircraft
and their position. IRIS is a great tool to
use to determine if a storm is increasing
or decreasing in intensity, and it is a
good backup tool for cross sections if the
TITAN machine is inoperable.
Fig. 19. Jeff Ceratto, NDARB Meteorologist,
and Mark Schneider, NDARB Chief
Meteorologist, review radar data at the
Bowman Ops Center in July 2017. Photo by
WMI pilot Kirk Hamilton.

Page 26


While IRIS is useful, the TITAN system is the main software used when running operations. The TITAN system
provides 16 levels of contoured color radar reflectivity data, zooming capabilities, custom target overlays,
instant playback, and real‐time aircraft flight track/seeding event superimposition. The TITAN software runs
on a LINUX operating system, and the TITAN system displays constant altitude plan position indicator
(CAPPI), vertical storm cross section, storm history, storm time‐height profile and reflectivity distribution.
The history of storm motions (yellow circles) and forecast storm motions (red circles) are also displayed. A
CAPPI display can be selected for various altitudes starting at 2 kilometers above the surface and stepping up
in 1 kilometer increments. It is also possible to create a “composite PPI” display, which plots the strongest
radar reflectivity at any altitude in a PPI (radar display) format. A zoom function allows the radar operator to
zoom‐in on interesting features, such as hail cores, on the display.

The vertical cross section capability enables a radar operator to produce a two dimensional slice through a
thunderstorm. Unlike conventional radar Range Height Indicators (RHI), the vertical cross section option
permits cross sections to be made along any two points on a PPI display and not just along the azimuth from
the radar.

Aircraft flight tracks can be superimposed upon the TITAN display, and the field offices and project aircraft
have the equipment to do so (see the previous section describing the WMI datalogger system).
Superimposed flight tracks aid the radar meteorologists in directing the cloud seeding aircraft to the most
suitable seeding candidates (see Fig. 20 and 21). An electronic overlay generated by a computer file displays
the project target area as well as county boundaries and prominent cities and geographical features.

Radar maps and flight track data are saved automatically in approximately 5‐minute increments. The time
period required to complete a volume scan varies dependent upon the RPM setting of the radar. The large
volume of graphical data being recorded and stored is the reason for the necessity of upgrading to a
specialized computer. The weather radar data is recorded onto hard‐drive disks for storage and playback at
a later time, and the storms can be replayed for future analysis. The composite PPI radar maps are
automatically sent to the ARB website every 5 minutes (or when a scan has been completed) to provide
access to recently recorded data. The links (accessible from the ND State Water Commission website,
http://www.swc.nd.gov/arb) can be viewed using any PC with an internet server, and show current radar
maps displaying reflectivity data and aircraft flight tracks. Using additional funding from surrounding
counties in the offseason the Bowman radar operates year‐round, while the Stanley radar is only used during
the project season.

Page 27


N709EA
N121WA
N37360

Fig. 20. Stanley weather radar display at 21:43 UTC on July 29, 2017 showing cells north of Tioga, ND. Displayed are
aircraft flight tracks for Seed 9 (N37360, Red), Seed 7 (N709EA, Yellow) and Seed 8 (N121WA, Green). See Fig. 21 for a
zoomed in perspective. Radar imagery courtesy of Paul Moen, NDARB.

Page 28


Fig. 21. A zoomed in view of the Stanley weather radar display at 21:43 UTC on July 29, 2017. This image shows Seed 7,
8, and 9; however, as the storm system progressed, Seed 4 and Seed 6 also launched. A total of 5,636 grams and 84.73
lbs. of dry ice were dispensed over 19.04 flight hours that day. Radar imagery courtesy of Paul Moen, NDARB.

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10.0 PROJECT RECORD KEEPING

Fig. 22. PARS App on a NDCMP iPad in the cockpit of N33144 (Seed 2). Photo by Intern co‐pilot Shelby Scorse.
NDCMP record keeping is completed on the Apple iPad. The iPad is widely used by many aviation
companies, including WMI who have used it to replace the need for bulky paper charts. The iPad features
the ARB’s “PARS” (Pilot Aircraft Recordkeeping System) software and is able to track position and altitude
data. The iPad receives this data from its built‐in GPS. This data is used to create the flight form as well as
accurate maps, with seeding areas depicted as entered by the flight crew. Two additional programs,
ARBSync and ChemInv, are included on the iPad to execute data uploads to the ARB database, and to
monitor seeding chemicals and flares at NDCMP field sites. The iPad allows for speedy uploads of the data to
ARB’s database via Wi‐Fi.

WMI uses another gadget to receive weather radar and airport weather data that can be wirelessly linked to
the iPads, but using this during a mission disables the PARS program and so is not currently practical.
Weather data can also be received using Foreflight™ software ‐ visible in Figure 23. WMI would like to see
further development of the PARS program for the iPad that will allow another program such as Foreflight™ to
operate simultaneously, as this would improve the flight crew’s weather information greatly.

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The three top‐seeding aircraft on the project (Seeds 1, 7, and 9)
were all equipped with an Appareo Stratus ADS‐B receiver
(Automatic Dependent Surveillance ‐ Broadcast) to access the FAA
weather information provided by this network. The weather
information can be displayed on Foreflight using either the ARB or
WMI provided iPad. While the radar depictions available from
ADS‐B are delayed, they are still an excellent tool for the flight
crews to aid in situational awareness and communications with the
radars. This information is helpful enough that several of the other
base‐seeding pilots used their own personal Stratus receivers
during the summer.

Fig. 23. Foreflight™ display showing the seeding aircraft position relative
to a radar displayed storm on August 12th. Photo by Intern co‐pilot
Shelby Scorse.

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11.0 WMI AND NDARB PROJECT PERSONNEL
11.1 Ground School
The 2017 North Dakota Cloud Modification Project Ground School was conducted in Bismarck, ND on May
23‐26. Atmospheric Resource Board and WMI personnel conducted the ground school, which was held in
the lower level conference room of the State Water Commission. All aspects of the program were discussed,
such as responsibilities of all personnel, cloud physics, opportunity recognition, use of seeding chemicals,
project documentation, safety procedures, PARS iPad training, and selected examples from prior projects
that helped illustrate efficient cloud seeding procedures.

Fig. 24. Mark Schneider and WMI pilot Chance Faul (Seed 5) demonstrate chemical mixing procedures during 2017
Ground School in Bismarck, ND. Photo courtesy of NDARB.
Numerous questions typically surface during the project as problems arise and remedies are explored. It is
invaluable to have experienced personnel in the field during the season to resolve these problems. ARB
Director Darin Langerud and ARB Chief Meteorologist Mark Schneider were always available for advice and
answers whenever their radar meteorologists needed guidance; all project personnel were provided a link to
online copies of the NDCMP Operations Manual and Radar Applications Manual prior to the season start.

Jody Fischer provided support for WMI pilot personnel during the season. Fischer started on the NDCMP
project as an intern in 1999 and has been involved with the project since. Prior to the start of the 2017
season, he spent a considerable amount of time with each pilot to ensure they were prepared and
knowledgeable with the focus on safety. He also provided training and support during the NDCMP pre‐
project 2017 ground school and filled in for pilots as needed when vacations or for any unforeseen events
occurred.

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11.2 Pilots
Each pilot was checked out in his or her designated aircraft before the beginning of the project. Five of the
eight initial PIC’s (Thurston, Cifarelli, Hamilton, Royal, and Faul) and the relief pilot (Fischer) had previous
experience cloud seeding as PIC on the NDCMP and on other WMI weather modification projects.
Additionally, two of the three remaining captains (Browne and Bauer) were Intern co‐pilots on the 2016
NDCMP. WMI remains committed to pilot retention where possible.

WMI training pilots were Jody Fischer and Brandon Thurston. During training, all pilots got to fly with at least
one of the two instructors to ensure that they were familiar with the airplane systems and the operation of
the seeding equipment. The pilots were also instructed on the airspeeds and power settings used during a
seeding mission. These flights provided quality assurance to standardize the WMI procedures for each pilot.
All of the pilots were involved in the pre‐season maintenance, and flight‐testing of the aircraft and seeding
equipment.

Fig. 25. Kirk Hamilton (C340 Captain) and Jody
Fischer snap a quick selfie before taking off for a
training flight in Fargo, ND.

The 2017 season operated smoothly without
any aircraft or personnel setbacks. Some of
the WMI pilots requested personal time off;
Fischer filled in as Seed 5 in Watford City
from June 8‐10, and remained on call for
Seed 9 August 13 and 14. WMI would like to
thank all project personnel for their hard‐
work and commitment to make this season a
success!

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11.3 Co‐Pilot Internship
The co‐pilots completed the Applied Weather Modification course at the University of North Dakota, and
were interviewed and selected from the class for their internships by Mike Poellot, Chair of Atmospheric
Sciences at UND and Kelli Schroeder of the ARB. Ms. Schroeder oversees the intern program for the ARB.

The interns each rotated through Williston to gain additional experience in the top seeding aircraft. All of
the interns returned to school before the end of August.

The pilot internship program is funded by the ARB. The intern pilots are paid an hourly wage and are
required to maintain a timesheet of their project activities. The Pilot Internship Program was initially begun
in 1974 by the Bureau of Reclamation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the ARB and the
University of North Dakota has been in place since 1975. As of the completion of the 2017 program, the
program has provided training and experience for 370 pilots.

Fig. 26. Matt Standridge, NDARB meteorology Intern, and Shelby Scorse, NDARB co‐pilot Intern refuel Seed 2 (N33144).
WMI provides, for a nominal charge, each season’s co‐pilot interns with flight instruction and signoffs for
High Altitude and High Performance training to give them the proper FAA certifications to act as pilots in the
WMI aircraft used on the NDCMP. This allows the interns to log flight time in the aircraft, giving them hands‐
on experience which is far more beneficial for them. These certifications are not normally earned during
flight training at UND. The flights, which involve several takeoffs and landings as well as flight operations at
25,000 feet, were completed on May 22‐23 this year. Ground instruction and two instructional flights in a
WMI King Air C90A (N6111V) were provided by WMI Pilot, Brian Kindrat.

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11.4 NDARB Meteorology Staff
All radars and intern meteorologists were employed by the NDARB. Three meteorology interns were chosen
to spend the season as assistant meteorologists in both Districts I (Matthew Standridge) and II (Sara Berry),
and one intern (Adam Roser) was selected to assist with forecasting from the Bismarck office. Each intern
also spent approximately two weeks rotating through each of the other site locations during the project. The
NDCMP Meteorology Internship Program began in 1996 and to date has provided hands‐on radar,
operations and forecasting experience for 56 meteorology undergraduates.
11.5 NDARB Administration
Director Darin Langerud oversees the NDCMP operations for the ARB. Chief Meteorologist Mark Schneider
manages the radar and intern meteorologists. Business Manager, Ms. Kelli Schroeder handles the program
funding, contracts, and the pilot intern program. Mr. Daniel Brothers, Meteorologist, trains and oversees the
intern forecaster as well as performing office duties including record keeping, iPads, the ARB rain gauge
network, and record quality control. Mr. Langerud and Mr. Schneider are Weather Modification Association
(WMA) Certified Weather Modification Managers, and Mr. Brothers is a WMA Certified Operator.

ND State Water Commission IT technician, Paul Moen handled issues with the TITAN software and hardware
systems in both radars. Moen was also the architect behind the iPad aircraft data recording software. WMI
installed and maintained the datalogger computers and electronics in the aircraft, including AirLink.
11.6 Weather Modification International Administration
Jody Fischer, WMI Director of Flight Operations was the Primary Project Manager for the 2017 season. Mr.
Fischer has been involved with the project since 1999 when he joined the team as an intern pilot in Watford
City. He returned the following year as a Seneca captain and continued that role for the next 4 seasons until
he was assigned on other WMI’s international projects. Neil Brackin, President of WMI and Bruce Boe, WMI
VP of Meteorology served as Co‐Project Managers in case Mr. Fischer needed to travel outside the state.
Mr. Fischer is a Weather Modification Association Certified Weather Modification Operator, and Mr. Boe is a
WMA Certified Manager. Mr. Brackin became President of WMI in 2015, and once served as an intern pilot
on the NDCMP. Mr. Boe assumed his present position at WMI in 2001. Prior to coming to WMI he served as
Director of the ARB for 12 years.

Mr. Fischer was responsible for hiring and training the project pilots, overseeing aircraft operations, aircraft
and equipment maintenance, and providing relief pilot and mechanic duties. Fischer has worked at WMI full
time since 2000.

Brandon Thurston, District II Project Pilot, served as the Field Representative for WMI during the season. All
North Dakota WMI field personnel reported problems and equipment status to him, and he then provided
summaries to Mr. Fischer. He also assisted with pre/post‐season seeding equipment maintenance and
project pilot flight training. This was his third season on the North Dakota Cloud Modification Project;
previously he was a PIC for WMI on a winter project in Idaho.

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11.7 NDCMP Project Personnel Pictures

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12.0 PUBLIC RELATIONS
12.1 SAMA Conference
To increase internship awareness and WMI's prospective pilot pool, WMI and NDARB participated in the
Spring 2017 Student Aviation Management Association (SAMA) Conference and Career Fair in Grand Forks,
ND on April 20th. The conference features a variety of speakers from all facets of the professional aviation
industry. Students, both prospective and currently enrolled, were able to discuss weather modification and
the internship with WMI and the NDARB. The NDARB was represented by Kelli Schroeder. Amy Haugen,
representing WMI/FJC Human Resources, and Justin Bauer and Alex Browne, 2017 WMI NDCMP captains,
attended on behalf of WMI. This year’s career fair was located at the Grand Forks Airport – UND Hangar.
12.2 Bowman County Fair
The Bowman County fair held July 13‐16th provided an excellent opportunity for the staff from ARB alongside
with WMI pilots and interns to showcase the current North Dakota Cloud Modification Project to local
farmers, businesses, and families attending the county fair. A booth was set up during the fair and was
attended by Mark Schneider and DI pilots and interns.
12.3 US Senator Heidi Heitkamp Visits Bowman, ND
On July 6, 2017 US Senator Heidi Heitkamp visited the Bowman Radar facility and visited with NDCMP project
personnel. The purpose of the Senator’s visit to Bowman, ND was to discuss with western North Dakota
farmers and ranchers the current drought situation. A packed crowd at the Bowman Livestock Auction
gathered to hear how the government planned to help those most affected. While in Bowman, she also
toured the new Bowman County Municipal
Airport and met with the Airport Authority to
discuss the significance of rural airports. Both
of these topics are of great importance to the
North Dakota Cloud Modification Project!
Fig. 27. Kirk Hamilton, WMI Captain, shakes the
hand of US Senator Heidi Heitkamp during the
2017 summer season. Sen. Heitkamp spent time
with the District I crew learning about the ND Cloud
Modification Project and General Aviation as it
relates to rural airports like Bowman.
12.4 Bowman Regional Airport Volunteering
Special thanks to the District I team for their volunteerism during the 2017 season! Pilots and meteorologists
took turns mowing, spraying weeds, assisting with aircraft fuelings, and providing general hospitality to
airport and radar visitors. Their professionalism, willingness to pitch in, and positive attitude is
commendable. Way to go team!

Page 37


Fig. 28. District I Team from left‐right: Kirk Hamilton, Shelby Scorse, Matt Standridge, Jeff Ceratto, and Matt Adamski.
Not pictured ‐ Steffany Royal (photographer and Seed 2 Captain) and Dakotah Osborne (Intern co‐pilot).

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13.0 AWARDS
NDARB recognizes field personnel professionalism and dedication to the project with the presentation of the
following project awards. Nominations are taken from project personnel, WMI administration, and ARB staff
the last week of project and are carefully considered. This season two awards were presented – the Wilbur
E. Brewer Professional Award and the Outstanding Intern Award.

Wilbur E. Brewer Professionalism Award
Named in honor of one of the founders of WMI and longtime NDCMP advocate, this award was presented to
WMI PIC Anna Mattson. Anna was based in Stanley, ND and operated Seed 4.

Hans P. Ahlness Outstanding Intern Award
A desire to learn and further their education attracts interns to the NDCMP. This award is given to the intern
who had the greatest positive impact on the project and its daily operations. In honor of Hans P. Ahlness,
longtime NDCMP participant and great mentor to hundreds of North Dakota interns, it is an honor to have
the Intern Award bear his name going forward. Read more about Hans in Section 15.0 – In Memoriam.

This year’s recipient was meteorology intern Matt Standridge. Matt was based in Bowman, ND and provided
support for District 1. Congratulations Anna and Matt!

Fig. 29. Certificates awarded to Matt Standridge and Anna Mattson. Thank you for all your contributions during the
2017 North Dakota Cloud Modification Project. We wish you many successes on your future endeavors!

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14.0 CONTRACTOR’S SUMMARY
The 2017 summer is completed and snow flurries have already occurred in most of North Dakota! This was
the 57th season of operations and it is no secret that its success is due in large part to a number of dedicated
individuals working together from early‐spring through late‐summer. NDCMP benefits from consistent
management and direction, from the oversight of the Board and through the yearlong efforts of the ARB
office staff. Personnel must be hired and trained, equipment maintained and improved, seeding chemicals
and flares obtained, and procedures put in place to allow for smooth project operations. The ARB staff
members – Darin Langerud, Mark Schneider, Kelli Schroeder, and Dan Brothers ‐ have all been in place for
several years and know their jobs well. WMI appreciates working with these professionals.

With a project that uses so many aircraft, the off‐season maintenance must begin around September and
continues right up until the aircraft are delivered to their project sites in May. Then during the season as
maintenance issues crop up they must be dealt with quickly. WMI wishes to recognize the quality
maintenance and facilities available to us from our companion company, Fargo Jet Center LLC. Without this
partnership WMI would be hard‐pressed to maintain the record of aircraft mission readiness upon which we
pride ourselves. WMI would also like to recognize the dedication and efforts of two western ND
maintenance operators – Bottom Line Aviation LLC in Bowman and Watford Aeroservice LLC in Watford City.
Both facilities helped with inspections and unscheduled maintenance items that popped up throughout the
season. WMI aircraft were given priority when called upon and these efforts contributed to seamless
operations.

One of the biggest challenges in future seasons will be pilot retention. The 2017 NDCMP was fortunate to
have recruited 7 of 8 captains with previous seeding experience! Although WMI does its best to keep
experienced personnel by employing NDCMP pilots in the off‐season in locations like Idaho and California,
the reality is that nationwide pilot shortages are occurring. This is in part to a few factors – higher
retirement numbers, decrease in new pilots with enough hours to fill positions, and an increase in airline and
corporate charter hiring. Jobs that historically were lower‐paid entry level positions are now rapidly being
filled and at attractive salaries. WMI is committed to staying competitive and actively recruiting, in order to
avoid turnover and keep experienced captains where possible with minimal cost to the project.

During the season, the Ward County Commission received complaints regarding the cost of the project. A
mid‐summer vote was brought forth to request the ARB to immediately suspend operations. This request
was denied, as it needed to be filed in accordance to ND state law with the Ward County Weather
Modification Authority, which did not occur. Operations continued as normal. WMI supports the efforts of
the ARB and applauds them for fielding numerous inquiries about the program throughout the summer.
WMI President, Neil Brackin, also provided support through multiple articles and public interviews –
including the ND State Fair. In October, Ward County Commission voted to cut the 2018 budget by $87K.
How this will affect NDCMP is yet to be exactly determined. As discussion continues, WMI stands ready to
work with the ARB to educate the public on the program’s achievements and success rates.

WMI invites comments from NDARB regarding this summer’s project and improvements for continued
operations. Our team enjoyed providing services for the 2017 summer season and we look forward to
returning next summer!

Page 40


15.0 IN MEMORIAM
WMI would like to recognize Hans P. Ahlness for his dedication to not only WMI, but the North Dakota Cloud
Modification Project. Hans’ career flying cloud seeding missions began in the summer of 1982, when he flew
as a UND intern co‐pilot on the Bowman‐based turbo Twin Commanche. In subsequent summers he flew as
a captain on the project, eventually accruing 35 seasons on the North Dakota Project. On December 1, 2016,
Ahlness died when the Cessna 340 aircraft he was piloting crashed near Fargo, ND.

Hans became a full‐time employee at Weather Modification in 1985 where he remained employed as Vice
President of Operations until his death. In his role as VP‐Ops, Ahlness oversaw the NDCMP contract for WMI
from 1990‐2016. Yearly Hans would work with pilots and meteorologist alike to provide insights into seeding
systems and seeding strategies. He also handled weather and aircraft questions, helped write equipment
and operations manuals, filled in
when needed during pilot
absences, and provided training
for field personnel both before
and during project.

Hans logged thousands of hours
in the skies of western North
Dakota, and his impact on the
program and the constituents of
North Dakota is far reaching.
Hans’ passion for NDCMP is
something hundreds of pilots and
meteorologist will always
remember.

Thank you Hans for your support,
friendship, willingness to teach,
and encouragement to see
the big picture!

Fig. 30. Hans P. Ahlness photo
collage created by NDCMP alumnus
Herb Ballou (2004‐2006). Thank you
Herb for capturing Hans in action!

Page 41


APPENDIX ITEMS
Appendix A: Aircraft Activity Tables
District I “Hybrid” Cloud Top Aircraft – N340FR
District I “Hybrid” Cloud Base Aircraft – N340FR
District I Cloud Base Aircraft – N33144

District II Cloud Base Aircraft – N9798C, N39655, N13AG, N121WA
District II “Hybrid” Cloud Base Aircraft – N37360
District II Cloud Top Aircraft, Turbo‐Prop – N709EA
District II “Hybrid” Cloud Top Aircraft – N37360
Appendix B: Aircraft Specifications
Piper Seneca II
Cessna 340A (Hybrid)
King Air C90

Page 42


Appendix A
District I – “Hybrid” Cloud Top Aircraft, Cessna

2017 DISTRICT I FLIGHT SUMMARY
CLOUD - TOP
DAILY RUNNING MAINTENANCE GENERATORS GENERATORS FLARES

DATE HAIL RAIN RECON OTHER TOTAL TOTAL (Contractor ONE TWO ONE TWO
Expense) (hours burned) (grams burned) (grams)
07/10/17 1.10 1.10 1.10 480

07/18/17 1.16 1.16 2.26
07/20/17 1.43 1.43 3.69 480
0.00 3.69
0.00 3.69
0.00 3.69
0.00 3.69
0.00 3.69
0.00 3.69
0.00 3.69
0.00 3.69
0.00 3.69
TOTALS 2.53 1.16 0.00 0.00 3.69 3.69 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 0 960
TOTAL AgI RELEASED BY C-340 AIRCRAFT: 960 grams
TOTAL FLIGHT HOURS CONTRACTED: 20.00

FLIGHT HOURS FLOWN TO DATE: 3.69
FLIGHT HOURS REMAINING: 16.31
PERCENT OF FLIGHT HOURS USED: 18%

Page 43


District I – “Hybrid” Cloud Base Aircraft, Cessna

CLOUD - BASE (C340)
DAILY RUNNING MAINTENANCE GENERATORS - Cessna GENERATORS - Cessna FLARES

(---------all flight times in hundredths of hours----------) Expense) (hours burned) (grams burned) (grams)
06/05/17 2.08 2.08 2.08 1.45 848.25 225

06/06/17 0.00 2.08 1.98
06/07/17 0.00 2.08 2.07
06/10/17 2.06 2.06 4.14 1.50 438.75
06/16/17 4.20 4.20 8.34 2.48 725.40
06/17/17 1.74 1.32 3.06 11.40 1.47 0.18 429.98 105.30
06/18/17 1.81 1.81 13.21 0.38 111.15
06/21/17 2.00 2.00 15.21 1.07 625.95 75
06/28/17 0.00 15.21 0.40
06/29/17 4.23 4.23 19.44 1.42 1.65 415.35 965.25 75
07/06/17 0.00 19.44 0.44
07/10/17 1.87 1.87 21.31 0.89 520.65 225
07/14/17 1.26 1.26 22.57
07/17/17 1.93 0.58 2.51 25.08
07/18/17 1.38 1.38 26.46 0.77 225.23
07/19/17 1.89 1.89 28.35 1.00 585.00 1125
07/20/17 2.35 2.35 30.70 1.04 608.40 525
07/24/17 2.15 2.15 32.85 0.04 0.87 11.70 508.95 75
07/25/17 0.53 0.53 33.38
07/29/17 2.83 2.83 36.21 0.17 1.45 49.73 848.25
07/30/17 0.45 0.45 36.66
08/05/17 0.00 36.66 0.40
08/08/17 2.63 0.80 3.43 40.09 1.11 1.06 324.68 620.10 525
08/12/17 1.46 1.46 41.55 0.99 579.15 300
08/18/17 0.00 41.55 0.54
08/25/17 0.00 41.55 0.29
08/26/17 1.04 1.04 42.59 0.42 245.70 75
0.00 42.59
0.00 42.59
0.00 42.59
0.00 42.59
TOTALS 26.27 10.77 3.99 1.56 42.59 42.59 6.12 9.34 12.07 2,732 7,061 3,225
TOTAL AgI RELEASED BY BASE AIRCRAFT: 13,018 grams

FLIGHT HOURS REMAINING : 12.41

Page 44


District I – Cloud Base Aircraft, Seneca II
CLOUD - BASE (Seneca)
DAILY RUNNING MAINTENANCE GENERATORS - Seneca GENERATORS - Seneca FLARES

06/04/17 0.00 0.00 0.77

06/05/17 3.01 3.01 3.01 0.13 2.32 26 933 375
06/06/17 0.50 0.50 3.51
06/10/17 1.16 1.16 4.67
06/13/17 0.21 0.21 4.88
06/14/17 1.96 1.96 6.84 0.21 42
06/16/17 2.51 2.51 9.35 1.05 211
06/17/17 3.19 3.19 12.54 1.34 269
06/21/17 4.12 0.59 4.71 17.25 0.02 1.19 4 478 375
06/27/17 0.00 17.25 0.56
06/28/17 0.69 0.69 17.94 0.27
06/29/17 3.21 3.21 21.15 1.97 0.67 396 269 300
06/30/17 0.00 21.15 1.85
07/02/17 2.33 2.33 23.48 0.01 1.35 2 543 150
07/03/17 2.94 2.94 26.42 0.40 1.22 80 490 300
07/04/17 0.51 0.51 26.93
07/10/17 2.94 2.94 29.87 1.80 724 525
07/11/17 0.59 0.59 30.46
07/14/17 1.71 1.71 32.17
07/18/17 3.98 1.42 5.40 37.57 0.37 0.31 74 125
07/19/17 0.24 0.24 37.81
07/20/17 3.63 3.63 41.44 1.82 732 600
07/21/17 0.99 0.99 42.43
07/24/17 1.92 1.92 44.35 1.31 527 525
07/25/17 0.39 0.39 44.74
07/27/17 1.23 1.23 45.97
07/29/17 1.92 1.92 47.89 1.37 551 375
07/30/17 0.52 0.52 48.41
08/05/17 0.80 0.80 49.21 0.32 0.02 4
08/08/17 3.01 3.01 52.22 0.45 1.74 90 699 525
08/09/17 0.44 0.44 52.66
08/11/17 1.23 1.23 53.89
08/12/17 1.46 1.46 55.35 0.96 386 450

Page 45



08/18/17 0.00 55.35 0.31
08/24/17 0.00 55.35 0.21
08/26/17 2.01 2.01 57.36 1.33 535 525
0.00 57.36
0.00 57.36
TOTALS 36.48 8.46 7.89 4.53 57.36 57.36 4.29 5.97 17.39 1,200 6,991 5,025
TOTAL AgI RELEASED BY BASE AIRCR 13,216 grams

FLIGHT HOURS REMAINING : -2.36

Page 46



District II – Cloud Base Aircraft, Seneca II
2017 DISTRICT II FLIGHT SUMMARY
CLOUD - BASE (Seneca)
DAILY RUNNING MAINTENANCE GENERATORS - Senecas GENERATORS - Senecas FLARES

06/05/17 3.76 3.14 6.90 6.90 1.27 1.58 255 635

06/06/17 0.00 6.90 0.37
06/09/17 8.99 2.94 1.17 0.90 14.00 20.90 3.55 2.40 714 965 150
06/14/17 4.78 1.17 0.88 6.83 27.73 0.01 2.03 2 816
06/15/17 6.08 6.08 33.81 1.34 269
06/16/17 7.52 1.27 8.79 42.60 0.33 4.12 828
06/17/17 13.74 13.74 56.34 6.39 1,284
06/19/17 2.24 1.58 3.82 60.16 0.61 245
06/21/17 1.94 1.94 62.10
06/24/17 0.00 62.10 0.60
06/28/17 2.23 2.23 64.33 0.70
06/29/17 16.24 16.24 80.57 6.44 4.12 1,294 1,656 750
06/30/17 2.07 2.07 82.64 0.11 0.85 22 342
07/02/17 1.86 1.86 84.50 0.26 0.84 52 338
07/03/17 4.13 4.13 88.63 1.50 603
07/06/17 0.00 88.63 0.33
07/07/17 0.00 88.63 0.42
07/10/17 7.33 7.33 95.96 0.60 3.18 121 1,278 900
07/11/17 6.76 2.31 1.37 10.44 106.40 0.21 2.39 42 961 375
07/14/17 3.27 3.27 109.67 0.34
07/17/17 3.15 3.15 112.82 0.29 0.27 1.35 54 543 375
07/19/17 1.80 0.53 2.33 115.15 0.26 0.39 78
07/20/17 12.70 1.52 14.22 129.37 0.77 2.74 155 1,101 375
07/21/17 1.46 0.58 2.04 131.41 0.25 101
07/22/17 2.92 2.92 134.33
07/23/17 0.00 134.33 4.00
07/25/17 1.13 1.13 135.46
07/26/17 0.00 135.46 0.31
07/27/17 1.79 2.15 0.58 4.52 139.98 0.45 0.36 90 145
07/28/17 0.00 139.98 0.26
07/29/17 11.79 2.03 13.82 153.80 0.29 0.65 5.29 131 2,127 900
07/30/17 1.23 1.23 155.03
08/02/17 0.75 0.75 155.78
08/05/17 0.00 155.78 0.67
08/06/17 0.00 155.78 1.18
Page 47



08/08/17 4.23 3.39 7.62 163.40 1.14 1.67 229 671 375
08/09/17 6.86 1.72 8.58 171.98 2.55 513
08/12/17 6.68 2.27 8.95 180.93 2.67 537 75
08/13/17 0.00 180.93 0.40
08/15/17 4.06 4.06 184.99 0.84 169
08/17/17 0.63 0.63 185.62
08/18/17 2.20 0.60 2.80 188.42 0.35 0.33 70 133
08/21/17 0.00 188.42 0.55
08/23/17 0.00 188.42 0.67
08/24/17 0.00 188.42 0.39
08/26/17 0.85 0.85 189.27
08/31/17 7.74 7.74 197.01 0.28 4.27 56 1,717 450
09/01/17 1.67 1.67 198.68 1.03 414 675
0.00 198.68
0.00 198.68
0.00 198.68
TOTALS 104.89 60.67 24.73 8.39 198.68 198.68 12.36 34.66 36.79 6,967 14,790 5,400
TOTAL AgI RELEASED BY BASE AIRCR 27,156 grams


Page 48



District II – “Hybrid” Cloud Base Aircraft, Cessna

CLOUD - BASE (C340)
DAILY RUNNING MAINTENANCE GENERATORS - Cessna GENERATORS - Cessna FLARES

06/06/17 0.00 0.00 0.50

06/09/17 3.66 3.66 3.66 0.15 2.19 44 1281 150
06/15/17 3.33 3.33 6.99 2.50 731
06/17/17 3.06 3.06 10.05 2.15 629 75
06/24/17 0.00 10.05 0.38
06/29/17 3.10 3.10 13.15 0.19 1.63 56 954 900
07/02/17 2.69 2.69 15.84 0.66 193
07/07/17 0.00 15.84 0.52
07/11/17 2.12 2.12 17.96 0.35 102
07/12/17 1.58 1.58 19.54
07/14/17 1.65 1.65 21.19 0.67 392
07/16/17 2.07 2.07 23.26
07/20/17 3.06 3.06 26.32 1.03 0.55 301 322
07/25/17 0.00 26.32 0.54
07/26/17 0.00 26.32 0.33
07/27/17 2.09 2.09 28.41 0.79 462
07/29/17 2.50 1.65 4.15 32.56 0.68 1.65 199 965 675
07/30/17 0.00 32.56 0.35
07/31/17 0.00 32.56 0.47
08/06/17 0.00 32.56 0.38
08/09/17 0.95 0.95 33.51
08/12/17 2.52 2.52 36.03 0.68 1.02 199 597
08/17/17 3.42 3.42 39.45
08/18/17 0.00 39.45 0.37
08/22/17 0.00 39.45 0.41
08/27/17 0.00 39.45 0.41
0.00 39.45
0.00 39.45
TOTALS 21.64 9.79 8.02 0.00 39.45 39.45 4.66 8.39 8.50 2,454 4,973 1,800
TOTAL AgI RELEASED BY BASE A 9,227 grams


Page 49



District II – Cloud Top Aircraft, Turbo‐Prop

CLOUD - TOP (TURBO-PROP ONLY)
DAILY RUNNING MAINTENANCE DRY ICE FLARES

DATE HAIL RAIN RECON OTHER TOTAL TOTAL (Contractor
Expense) (pounds) (grams)
06/01/17 0.00 0.00 0.48

06/05/17 3.04 3.04 3.04 77.91
06/09/17 2.84 0.69 3.53 6.57 115.28 520
06/14/17 1.52 1.52 8.09 54.44
06/15/17 4.25 4.25 12.34 138.27
06/17/17 4.33 4.33 16.67 156.32
06/19/17 2.46 2.46 19.13 38.74
06/22/17 0.00 19.13 1.38
06/25/17 0.00 19.13 1.87
06/29/17 4.66 4.66 23.79 208.55
07/02/17 1.00 1.00 24.79
07/03/17 1.90 1.90 26.69 21.53
07/10/17 2.23 2.23 28.92 97.11
07/11/17 1.65 1.65 30.57 55.96
07/17/17 1.74 1.74 32.31 24.96
07/20/17 3.75 3.75 36.06 114.48 100
07/29/17 3.10 3.10 39.16 84.73 640
08/08/17 0.90 0.90 40.06
08/09/17 1.15 1.15 41.21
08/12/17 1.55 1.55 42.76 13.25
08/17/17 2.06 2.06 44.82 88.33
08/18/17 0.96 0.96 45.78
08/31/17 3.82 3.82 49.60 420
0.00 49.60
0.00 49.60
TOTALS 28.76 16.14 4.70 0.00 49.60 49.60 3.73 1,289.86 1,680
TOTAL AgI RELEASED BY C90 AIRCRAFT: 1,680 grams

TOTAL DRY ICE USED ON PROJECT: 1,289.86 pounds


Page 50



District II – “Hybrid” Cloud Top Aircraft, Cessna

CLOUD - TOP (CESSNA)
DAILY RUNNING MAINTENANCE GENERATORS GENERATORS FLARES

Expense) (hours burned) (grams burned) (grams)
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
TOTALS 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 0 0
TOTAL AgI RELEASED BY C-340 AIRCRAFT: 0 grams


Page 51



Appendix B
Piper Seneca II

PIPER SENECA II SPECIFICATIONS
4,570 lbs maximum gross weight
3,200 lbs typical empty weight
1,370 lbs typical useful load
Turbocharged, 200HP engines
Portable supplemental oxygen system
200 hp per engine at sea level
215 hp at 12,000 ft
225 mph max cruise speed
185 mph recommended cruise speed
70 mph stall in landing configuration
93‐123 gallons usable fuel capacity
25,000 feet all engine service ceiling
14,000 feet single engine service ceiling
1,200 feet per minute all engine rate of climb
190 feet per minute single engine rate of climb
1,030 feet for takeoff over 50‐ft obstruction
750 feet for takeoff ground roll
950 feet landing ground roll
28 ft. 07 in. length
9 ft. 11 in. height
38 ft. 11 in. wingspan

Page 52



Cessna 340A

CESSNA 340A SPECIFICATIONS
6,290 lbs maximum gross weight
Pressurized cabin
Turbocharged, intercooled 310HP engines
281 mph max cruise speed
263 mph recommended cruise speed
75 mph stall in landing configuration
183‐203 gallons usable fuel capacity
1,615 feet for takeoff ground roll
1,850 feet land over 50‐ft obstruction
12 ft. 07 in. height

Page 53



King Air C90A

KING AIR C90A SPECIFICATIONS
Full de‐icing capabilities
Turboprop twin engine PT6A‐21 engines
10,100 lbs gross weight
550HP per engine
240 kts max cruise speed
384 gallons usable fuel capacity
2,250 feet for takeoff ground roll
1,730 feet land over 50‐ft obstruction
14 ft. 03 in. height

Page 54

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2017 FINAL OPERATIONS REPORT

THE NORTH DAKOTA

Tel: 701.235.5500 • Fax: 701.235.9717 • 3802 20th Street N • Fargo, ND • USA

DAILY RUNNING MAINTENANCE GENERATORS GENERATORS FLARES

07/10/17 1.10 1.10 1.10 480

TOTAL AgI RELEASED BY C-340 AIRCRAFT: 960 grams

TOTAL FLIGHT HOURS CONTRACTED: 20.00

DAILY RUNNING MAINTENANCE GENERATORS - Cessna GENERATORS - Cessna FLARES

06/05/17 2.08 2.08 2.08 1.45 848.25 225

TOTAL AgI RELEASED BY BASE AIRCRAFT: 13,018 grams

TOTAL FLIGHT HOURS CONTRACTED: 55.00

DAILY RUNNING MAINTENANCE GENERATORS - Seneca GENERATORS - Seneca FLARES

06/04/17 0.00 0.00 0.77

TOTAL AgI RELEASED BY BASE AIRCR 13,216 grams

TOTAL FLIGHT HOURS CONTRACTED: 55.00

DAILY RUNNING MAINTENANCE GENERATORS - Senecas GENERATORS - Senecas FLARES

06/05/17 3.76 3.14 6.90 6.90 1.27 1.58 255 635

TOTAL AgI RELEASED BY BASE AIRCR 27,156 grams

TOTAL FLIGHT HOURS CONTRACTED: 390.00

DAILY RUNNING MAINTENANCE GENERATORS - Cessna GENERATORS - Cessna FLARES

06/06/17 0.00 0.00 0.50

TOTAL AgI RELEASED BY BASE A 9,227 grams

TOTAL FLIGHT HOURS CONTRACTED: 65.00

DAILY RUNNING MAINTENANCE DRY ICE FLARES

06/01/17 0.00 0.00 0.48

TOTAL AgI RELEASED BY C90 AIRCRAFT: 1,680 grams

TOTAL FLIGHT HOURS CONTRACTED: 145.00

DAILY RUNNING MAINTENANCE GENERATORS GENERATORS FLARES

TOTAL AgI RELEASED BY C-340 AIRCRAFT: 0 grams

TOTAL FLIGHT HOURS CONTRACTED: 30.00

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