The safest option is to keep all birds on the ground, don't dispute that. That would be the case for a number of reasons every day of the year. Mels/Cdls Cyclones, cb's low vis etc. But isn't a lot of aviation risk assessment and management of conditions at the time? Re routing around, flying well below the ash is managing the risk. Pilot reports, engineering inspecting aircraft on arrival which have been in the vicinity of the ash etc. The Volcanic Ash risk assessment team made the decision not to ground flights, financial reasons don't ring true considering V Aus have cancelled all services into perth this afternoon. The ash extends a lot lower in the atmosphere this time and on this occasion has been deemed as not safe. As someone else stated, ultimately PIC has final say.
Last edited by kimir; 15th Jun 2011 at 04:00.