Commissioning and early operations of the Large Binocular Telescope

By June 2008, The Large Binocular Telescope Observatory will have supported two full semesters of observing with prime focus imaging. Interspersed were optical alignment and initiation of binocular mode for the prime focus, as well as installation and initial commissioning of the first bent Gregorian focal station. We examine the lost time statistics and distribution of issues that reduced on-sky access in the context of the limited technical support provided for observing. We also note some of the restrictions imposed by the alternation of engineering and commissioning activities with scheduled observing time. The goal is to apply the lessons learned to the continuing period of observation plus commissioning anticipated as new spectroscopic, adaptive optics, and interferometric capabilities are added through 2010.