Ash clouds threaten air traffic

[BOAC]

Originally Posted by F14

I have no problem during the day avoiding the stuff visually.

- this is a common misunderstanding of the nature of the beast. Yes, we can all avoid the large chunks of rock, black stuff and towering white plumes - probably even on a clear night as well. What you cannot necessarily SEE to AVOID is the fine ash which is there. Here lies the great unknown. What damage, long or medium term is this likely to do to engines and airframes?

You need to forget the Eric Moody "I'm in the loo - what's that deafening silence - ah yes, it's the engines stopped" scenario. I think we can now say that it is only the most foolhardy or unaware in this day and age who would get into that position.

I am not convinced that the authorities REALLY know what they are doing. A large part of what is happening -"yes, it's safe"/"oh no - it's not" appears to be based on an element of guesswork coupled with political and economic pressures. Only time will tell whether we have this right.