HF and Solar Flares

[snichols]

I'm a journalist writing about avionics and radio communications. I am interested to hear if pilots have found the recent increase in solar flares has had an adverse effect on trans-atlantic HF links out of Shanwick etc. Anecdotal evidence seems to be "no", but textbooks say that there should be heavy blackouts at some times. Do tell - anonymously or otherwise. (Also posted in the general forum)
Steve

[Boeing_jockey]

Solar flares affect HF ???? What next - NDBs unreliable in rain ??