|
Photo courtesy of the Institute of Earth
Sciences
Nordic Volcanological Center. |
ALPA continues to maintain a close liaison with
regulators, manufacturers, and pilot groups around
the world in monitoring the dynamic situation around
the spread of ash from the erupting volcano in
Iceland.
ALPA’s
FastRead Newsflash earlier this week
outlined warning signs of proximity to ash/gas
clouds and plans of affected countries to resume
limited operations as they were understood at the
time. Operations are gradually resuming, and ALPA
remains adamant that any resumption of flights must
be predicated on avoidance and being able to
maintain safety margins.
National air traffic authorities, especially in
Europe, are attempting to tailor operation to areas
with minimal likelihood of an ash cloud encounter
with buffer zones. National meteorological services
use wind and weather models that vary in
methodology, which may lead to differing
interpretation of forecast ash movement. Interpretations of
satellite imagery differ similarly. As a result,
there is variance in the information provided to
crews. Flight crews and dispatchers must use all
available information in attempting to remain well
clear of any hazard. Nevertheless, an inadvertent
encounter with ash remains a possibility, and crews
should emphasize the hazard in flight planning,
briefing, and during flight. Engine and airframe
manufacturers are developing material to aid
operators and crews in better determining impacts of
ash exposure.
Pending publication of formal documents from
manufacturers and airlines, crews should continue to
exercise caution, review ash location and forecast
data whenever available, and be aware of company
procedures for ash encounters.
Remember that the captain is the final authority
for the safe conduct of a flight. |
