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6. DATA QUALITY In addition to the calibration procedures, the following quality control checks are routinely performed on the NOAA aircraft instrumentation: Time The computer time is set and checked with WWV, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) broadcast time and frequency standard, before each flight. TemperatUJ~ On the ground, before each flight, values are checked using a psychrometer and/or data from the National Weather Service (NWS), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), or the FAA Flight Service Station (FSS). Dew point System balance checks are performed periodically in the field as described in the standard operating procedure for this instrument. On the ground before each flight, the dew-point values are checked using a psychrometer and/or NWS, FAA, or FSS information. Static pressure On the ground before each flight, data are checked by an aneroid barometer and NWS, FAA, or FSS information to ensure that correct data are being recorded. Dynamic pressure A reading is taken on the ground at zero airspeed. If this value is approximately -1.2 mb, a static sensor offset, the system is considered operational. Cabin pressure Before each flight, the cabin pressure reading is taken with the cabin door open and checked against the static pressure reading. Solar radiation A daily check is made to ensure that the device is functional and in proper operating range. Particle distribution probes Prior to the field experiment in the laboratory, monodisperse glass or latex particles are used to verify the calibration of the instrument. During the field experiment, checks are made to ensure that the laser is operating within specifications and that the instrument is responding in a consistent and reasonable manner to ambient aerosols on the ground. Spinning calibration devices were employed regularly before flight. 20