Observers need not be present at the VLA to obtain VLA data. However, we encourage VLA users to come to Socorro when observing. There is no better way to interact with the data, and to calibrate and image data quickly. And coming to Socorro is the best way to benefit from discussions with staff members.
We recommend that observers who are coming to Socorro, and who intend to set up their observing files there, arrive two working days before their scheduled observations to allow sufficient time to interact with key staff members. See Section 4.12 for information on coming to and staying in Socorro.
For those who choose to process their data at home, the data can be retrievied from the VLA on-line archive after obtaining the project key from the data analysts, or the data analysts will, upon request, mail you a tape (Exabyte or DAT) containing your uncalibrated data in its original format. The AIPS task FILLM is used to load these data to disk.