Helicopters and Volcanic Ash?
Just back on standby after a week off (which began by having to drive from Inverness to Devon on the Thursday this all started for the UK). Some interesting contributions - Shy, I dunno where you were among the silica sand 30 years ago but I know what it could do to 2 Arrius in the mid-oughties. The Kuwaiti police EC135s had the full sand filtration kit fitted, yet after only 1200-1300 hours of their 3000 TBO the engines had to be replaced as borescope inspections revealed Henry Moore-sculpture shapes where you'd normally expect to see straight lines on the blades. Nasty stuff, dust.
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Eurocopter SN 2197-S-00
Eurocopter has now issued Safety Information Notice 2197-S-00 concerning flight in volcanic ash. Reproduced text:
Due to the eruption of the volcano in Iceland EUROCOPTER has been contacted by many operators asking for advice on how to proceed with their operation under these circumstances.
Flying in an atmosphere containing volcanic ash may affect the behaviour of the helicopter. Depending to the variety of the particles (size, weight, density, chemical composition…) it may increase the probability of a partial
power loss, engine flame out, navigation and piloting instruments failure or other helicopter malfunctions. Flight in such conditions may also decrease visibility and accelerate erosion of certain helicopter parts. In the past, on EC helicopters, engine flame outs have been experienced after flight through industrial smoke.
Flying in an atmosphere containing volcanic ash may affect the behaviour of the helicopter. Depending to the variety of the particles (size, weight, density, chemical composition…) it may increase the probability of a partial
power loss, engine flame out, navigation and piloting instruments failure or other helicopter malfunctions. Flight in such conditions may also decrease visibility and accelerate erosion of certain helicopter parts. In the past, on EC helicopters, engine flame outs have been experienced after flight through industrial smoke.
As a consequence EUROCOPTER advises operators to avoid flight in area of high density volcanic ash contamination (named zone 1 or black zone).
The flights done in potential contamination zone (area of low density volcanic ash contamination named zone 2 or red zone) have to be treated as flight in sandy or contaminated atmosphere. In this case the specific maintenance for flight in sandy or contaminated atmosphere has to be applied. The use of blades erosion protection kit is an option that remains at operator initiative. Engines in this environment must be operated and inspected in accordance with the applicable engine manufacturers instructions. Operators are requested to report to EC any unusual findings or unusual helicopter behaviour in operations.
Helicopters parked outside shall be protected by adequate covers to avoid accumulation and penetration of particles. Helicopters which have been exposed to volcanic ash shall be washed in accordance with general
procedures which are applied under conditions such as salt water or sand and dust environment.
EUROCOPTER stays at your disposal for further questions. Please refer to your normal contact person at EUROCOPTER’s technical support department
Helicopters parked outside shall be protected by adequate covers to avoid accumulation and penetration of particles. Helicopters which have been exposed to volcanic ash shall be washed in accordance with general
procedures which are applied under conditions such as salt water or sand and dust environment.
EUROCOPTER stays at your disposal for further questions. Please refer to your normal contact person at EUROCOPTER’s technical support department
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Inverness No Fly Zone
Sometimes things are so stupid as to be almost unbelievable. Like the No Fly Zone around Inverness the other day, due to volcanic ash, centered on the airport with a 5 mile limit. How do they expect us to take them seriously?
Volrider,
Pictures don't tell the whole story, so please if you could be so kind and fill in a few gaps.
What kind of a/c, where is it from and when is the picture taken?
And if you know, for how long has the engine been exposed to ash?
In your response to the previous poster, it should maybe be around Inverness the last few days, no?
Pictures don't tell the whole story, so please if you could be so kind and fill in a few gaps.
What kind of a/c, where is it from and when is the picture taken?
And if you know, for how long has the engine been exposed to ash?
In your response to the previous poster, it should maybe be around Inverness the last few days, no?
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Taken from a web search on "volcanic ash damage to aircraft engines"
Not related directly to Iceland however entirely relevent.
Page with picture on has following text....
Engine stall
Volcanic ash normally contains glassy materials, such as silicates, whose melting points are 600 degrees celsius to 800 degrees celsius. Since internal temperature of in-flight jet engine exceed 1000 degrees celsius, glassy particles in volcanic ash inhaled by the engines instantly melt. In the course of exhaust, the glassy materials are rapidly cooled down in the turbine chamber, stick on the turbine vanes, and disturb the flow of high-pressure combustion gases. This disorder of the flow may stop the entire engine in serious cases.
Windshield and aircraft body
Acicular solid particles in volcanic ash scratch the windshield of aircraft and lower the visiblity from the cockpit in serious cases. Ash particles also damage the paintwork of the aircraft body and corrode it.
Malfunctioning of speed meter
Volcanic ash could cause a clog-up in the pitot tube measuring air speed, and may have serious impacts on the aircraft operation.
Malfunctioning of electronic device
Volcanic ash clouds are often strongly charged, therefore may affect the wireless communication system's on the airplane.
Corrosion of the airplane body
Aerosols of hydrogen sulfide in volcanic ash cause corrosions on various components of the airplane.
Not related directly to Iceland however entirely relevent.
Page with picture on has following text....
Engine stall
Volcanic ash normally contains glassy materials, such as silicates, whose melting points are 600 degrees celsius to 800 degrees celsius. Since internal temperature of in-flight jet engine exceed 1000 degrees celsius, glassy particles in volcanic ash inhaled by the engines instantly melt. In the course of exhaust, the glassy materials are rapidly cooled down in the turbine chamber, stick on the turbine vanes, and disturb the flow of high-pressure combustion gases. This disorder of the flow may stop the entire engine in serious cases.
Windshield and aircraft body
Acicular solid particles in volcanic ash scratch the windshield of aircraft and lower the visiblity from the cockpit in serious cases. Ash particles also damage the paintwork of the aircraft body and corrode it.
Malfunctioning of speed meter
Volcanic ash could cause a clog-up in the pitot tube measuring air speed, and may have serious impacts on the aircraft operation.
Malfunctioning of electronic device
Volcanic ash clouds are often strongly charged, therefore may affect the wireless communication system's on the airplane.
Corrosion of the airplane body
Aerosols of hydrogen sulfide in volcanic ash cause corrosions on various components of the airplane.
Volrider .....if you had read all the previous posts you would realise how utterly pointless your post is 
We have established we are NOT talking about flying through thick plumes of dust ......we have established that for most of the time there is little or no ash in our crystal clear skies . I cannot see how it helps matters having you doom mongering . Its quite simple ...if you dont want to fly and think its un safe ...then dont 
Old photos of damaged engines is just NOT relevent .
We have established we are NOT talking about flying through thick plumes of dust ......we have established that for most of the time there is little or no ash in our crystal clear skies . I cannot see how it helps matters having you doom mongering . Its quite simple ...if you dont want to fly and think its un safe ...then dont Old photos of damaged engines is just NOT relevent .
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Ahhhh Nigel you are a breath of fresh air I was wondering where you had gone.
1: Doom mongering.... Ummm so flight saftey is doom mongering, must look that up in CAP737
2: "WE" is that the Royal We?
3: I do like it when someone answers a post with a different view, it can be relied on by a few here to berate that person.
Nige, I answered the post with what I considered to be relevent information regarding what Volcanic Ash can do to an engine, airframe etc etc, as it seemed the poster was not quite sure of the dangers..
But then maybe I know nothing, hey I will own up to that in many cases. THATS why I listen to the people I trust.
meteorologist
metallurgist
etc etc....
I prefer to listen to the facts rather than a Saturday afternoon ex-spurt
1: Doom mongering.... Ummm so flight saftey is doom mongering, must look that up in CAP737
2: "WE" is that the Royal We?
3: I do like it when someone answers a post with a different view, it can be relied on by a few here to berate that person.
Nige, I answered the post with what I considered to be relevent information regarding what Volcanic Ash can do to an engine, airframe etc etc, as it seemed the poster was not quite sure of the dangers..
But then maybe I know nothing, hey I will own up to that in many cases. THATS why I listen to the people I trust.
meteorologist
metallurgist
etc etc....
I prefer to listen to the facts rather than a Saturday afternoon ex-spurt
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Hi Volrider,
Nice post.
NigelH loves to wind people up with taunts about how "brave" we are not whilst he is obvioulsy so full of knowledge and basic human bravery that a poxy volcano is not going to stop him. He is probably flying a piston engine helicopter for christs sake!!!
I Vote NigelH for Prime Minister cos no matter what happens a blatant disregard for the facts and stick two fingers up to danger and that will see us through. Bravo!!!
I gave up smoking at New Year now there is a freekin volcano to deal with. Whats that going to do to my lungs. Has anybody got any Volcano-Vs-Human lung images so I can wallow in Volriders apparent Doomongeringsafetyconcernritus completely.
DB
Nice post.
NigelH loves to wind people up with taunts about how "brave" we are not whilst he is obvioulsy so full of knowledge and basic human bravery that a poxy volcano is not going to stop him. He is probably flying a piston engine helicopter for christs sake!!!
I Vote NigelH for Prime Minister cos no matter what happens a blatant disregard for the facts and stick two fingers up to danger and that will see us through. Bravo!!!
I gave up smoking at New Year now there is a freekin volcano to deal with. Whats that going to do to my lungs. Has anybody got any Volcano-Vs-Human lung images so I can wallow in Volriders apparent Doomongeringsafetyconcernritus completely.
DB
Hey Girls ...nice post 
Maybe the difference of opinion is one of the reasons i OWN my helicopters and no they are not piston !!
You girls are obviously in a rut ...you need to think more for yourselves ...
I think most people now realise that the shutting of the UK was not necessary and was not done by experts ( or even Ex - spurts ). Anyway it gave you some nice time off so dont worry ...
Maybe the difference of opinion is one of the reasons i OWN my helicopters
and no they are not piston !! You girls are obviously in a rut ...you need to think more for yourselves ...
I think most people now realise that the shutting of the UK was not necessary and was not done by experts ( or even Ex - spurts ). Anyway it gave you some nice time off so dont worry ...
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Does it have a large door? 
Some bright spark once said............
" If it flies or f**ks, you're better off renting"
and
"You can always tell a Yorkshireman. It's just a pity you can't tell 'em f**k all"
Some bright spark once said............
" If it flies or f**ks, you're better off renting"
and
"You can always tell a Yorkshireman. It's just a pity you can't tell 'em f**k all"
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Nige has his own fleet, excellent news I would love it if on my next CRM course I could have Nige there so I can throw away the book and listen to how it should be done
Nige I did a search and see that your certainly following guide lines on comp washing and stripping down after every flight good stuff
All complete and now ready for lift off for the next task with rock solid Nige at the helm.
Nige invents a new way of dealing with Volcanic Ash doubters....
Nige I did a search and see that your certainly following guide lines on comp washing and stripping down after every flight good stuff
All complete and now ready for lift off for the next task with rock solid Nige at the helm.
Nige invents a new way of dealing with Volcanic Ash doubters....
Vol i think you have too much time on your hands 
What i am wondering is ....are you flying now ? And if you are ....why ? If it is SO dangerous ... anyway bored now !!
What i am wondering is ....are you flying now ? And if you are ....why ? If it is SO dangerous ... anyway bored now !!
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Nige, nope not flying I'm on A/L for a week wife and daughter on route to USA (well above ash) so Yes I do have some time on my hands as all the decent "Frankie Vaughan" web cam sites are shut till later tonight 
But that aside we are in the "red area" so safe to fly as long as precautions are taken etc, but if we were in the "black area" we would not be flying.
Not difficult to work out and also not difficult to find the info
Met Office: Icelandic volcano - Ash concentration charts
But hey re CRM take a look at this and then answer the question which one is right
But that aside we are in the "red area" so safe to fly as long as precautions are taken etc, but if we were in the "black area" we would not be flying.
Not difficult to work out and also not difficult to find the info
Met Office: Icelandic volcano - Ash concentration charts
But hey re CRM take a look at this and then answer the question which one is right
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Gents,
My Dad used to say that you should never laugh at the misfortunes of others...........................but jeeez Nige.....you brought that on yourself.
I have had a really good laugh at the last few posts...sorry Nigel if I have laughed at your expense...but then you can probably afford it!!
Where would we be without characters like NigelH eh!!! Definitley a "slapper"!!!!
DB
My Dad used to say that you should never laugh at the misfortunes of others...........................but jeeez Nige.....you brought that on yourself.
I have had a really good laugh at the last few posts...sorry Nigel if I have laughed at your expense...but then you can probably afford it!!
Where would we be without characters like NigelH eh!!! Definitley a "slapper"!!!!
DB