Intruder
I am glad you have the complete confidence in the "experts" The trouble with that is that everyone has their own interests their own backs to watch their own agenda.
Zero ash tolerance was abandoned in a matter of days for plucked out of the sky percentage ash? More like sock it and see?
Even the new limits are riddled and based on a fairly constant level of ash over a large distance. Where are those samples taken and what happens in the areas not taken? You may get a suitable level in one area which fits within the limits but half a mile away a much denser area which has been completely missed.
In the Alaskan eruption Ash circulated the globe three times before completely dissipating. 1000s of aircraft probably penetrated low density ash ridden air without even knowing about it. Maybe what the eye doesnt see the heart doesnt grieve?
The pilot as in any situation is best placed to determine whether a flight is safe or not. Not some politician or Quango leader who has no aviation experience whatsover and is more intent on watching his/ her back or lining his or her colleagues hands in gold.
As in any other atmosphere threat whether thunderstorms, bird strikes, strong winds, fog etc the pilot has the data but makes the decisions.
More aircraft have been downed by thunderstorms, More aircraft downed by fog, more aircraft downed by in flight turbulence and windshear, more aircraft downed by bird strikes, more downed by strong crosswinds, more by ice than ever in diffused ash.
Yes those pilots fly within minima and regulations but they fly.
Why is ash any different?
If we never flew because of a potentail threat albeit how small the skies would have been empty a long time ago.
Pace
Last edited by Pace; 27th April 2010 at 00:51.