NOAA operates a wide range of specialized aircraft that collect data vital to protecting lives and understanding Earth.
NOAA’s fleet of 10 crewed aircraft is operated, managed and maintained by the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center, part of NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations. Located at Lakeland Linder International Airport in Lakeland, Florida, the center serves as the main base for the fleet and provides mission-ready aircraft and professional crews to the scientific community. The center is committed to the safe, efficient and economical use of NOAA aircraft, with more than 50 years of experience coordinating airborne environmental data-gathering missions.