Closure of European Airspace
I fail to understand the connection between NATS and safety, in the context of the suspended ash particles. The decision to close UK airspace should have been taken in deep consultation with other safety related bodies (CAA, BA, BAA, AAIB). Was that done?
There are precedents which are wasteful and potentially economically devastating if one body is allowed to make a decision of this sort. To give a non-aviation example, the final morbidity and mortality statistics of swine flu are no worse than any other seasonal flu outbreak. But a huge overreaction occurred. A similar argument applies to the millenium bug. Basically there wasnt one, but consultants earned a lot of money.
The effect of suspended ash particles on aircraft depends on the concentration of those particles and the number of hours the aircraft flies thorugh them. This should have been carefully calculated, based on the best availaible evidence. Where are the calculations to justify this? If this is not done quantitatively, it is highly irresponsible (masquarading under the cloak of safety first) to take such draconian actions.
The situation of aircraft flying directly through a volcanic dust cloud (as happened in 1982, Indonesia) is not directly relevent. I would like to see projected ash concentartion levels for this event - enough to sand blast the windscreen - compared to levels currently at very high altitudes.
Where are the calculations to estimate the quantity of glass particles which could enter the combustion chambers, and clog the cooling systems? if the average particle size is 10 microns, what quantity in grams could enter the engine? What quantity could melt and accumulate?
If there are similar potential threats to safety in a non-aviation industry, are they acted upon? Why not ban all Toyota drivers from UK roads, if the source of the problem of faulty braking has not been identified: The number of potential deaths from this could easily outweigh one plane crash.
If any organisation imposes such a disruption of travel, and potential economic catastrophe, it is their responsibility to collect ALL the evidence together properly, consulting widely whilst the ban is in effect, so further data on ash levels & altitude can result in some limited and safe a/c operation. I do not believe this is currently being done, despite the profound economic consequences.
At the very least a full report on the closure of UK airspace must be made avaliable to all parties after the event, when the problem has (excuse the pun) blown over. This MUST contain detailed meterological data, extensive comment and analysis from the engine and a/c manufactures, plus contingency reccommendations to protect the economy if a similar situation arises in the future.
Martin