Orions belt . The ICAO was very actively trying to raise the limit up to one month ago. There was a working group set up in 2008 to study volcanic ash. That working group made representations to all parties concerned and encouraged them to attend a conference about a month ago. They specifically asked IATA to survey airlines on how they viewed the risks and what levels they might accept. IATA did not attend the ICAO conference instead reporting that although it had canvassed all member airlines heavily sadly none had responded.
Airlines are running around willy nilly now saying nobody would take a decision in the nanny state etc. when in fact they had an opportunity just a month ago to report what ash concentration they themselves were prepared to accept ( having had a long time to study and consider the matter given they were first asked for input in early 2009 ). For fear of legal consequences it seems they did not respond. They seemed fearful of setting a number and then having an incident if that number was too high ( in terms of acceptable concentration ). I think when it call comes out ICAO will be spotless and the airlines themselves a little red faced.
Last edited by paidworker; 22nd Apr 2010 at 10:31.