Originally Posted by infrequentflyer789
1. the "previous" limit has always been referred to as "zero" - not any particular density. Elsewhere in the world this is apparently treated as "zero visible", in Europe as "zero detectable / zero predicted by model" - the latter obviously being a moving target that doesn't make sense.
That's what I always thought: stay clear of any visible ash concentration and there will be no immediate danger. Amazing how a simple misinterpretation of "zero tolerance" could lead to such a huge overreaction.
It amazes me that some pilots (if that's what they really are?) now claim they think getting back in the air was a dangerous decision forced by "reckless" airlines who allegedly put finance before safety?
As far as I know there is not one case known where an a/c sustained damage, while staying out of visible ash in VMC. I'd be interested in hearing about it, if there was such a case.
I can't wait for the National Geographic documentary to be made about this "blunder of the century"!
This
article by the "Daily Mail" is spot on, I think.