Ash clouds threaten air traffic
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Middlesex
MPN11 - easy now I'd say most on here have multiple windows open at the moment.
My real concern is that if the BA's don't divert into 'open' UK airports the media is going to have a field day regarding the decision to launch, the decision to refuse descent, landing clearance etc etc etc. Yes, I know there may be constraint issues in terms of the number of stands at Newcastle or Aberdeen that can take a 747-400/777 etc. But the media won't see that.
My real concern is that if the BA's don't divert into 'open' UK airports the media is going to have a field day regarding the decision to launch, the decision to refuse descent, landing clearance etc etc etc. Yes, I know there may be constraint issues in terms of the number of stands at Newcastle or Aberdeen that can take a 747-400/777 etc. But the media won't see that.
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Yonder, UK
And so the Public Relations war gets underway: "heroic" British Airways versus NATS (Govt) et al.
It's no accident that all major news channels are now running headline stories about BA's "determination" to bring 26 flights into the UK tonight. Including Heathrow and Gatwick. The story is being orchestrated direct from BA's Press Office.
Presumably it will be good for BA's business to be seen as the equivalent of an embargo buster. But what kind of signal is that as to the relevance / influence or otherwise of all the agencies and authorities so far involved?
It's no accident that all major news channels are now running headline stories about BA's "determination" to bring 26 flights into the UK tonight. Including Heathrow and Gatwick. The story is being orchestrated direct from BA's Press Office.
Presumably it will be good for BA's business to be seen as the equivalent of an embargo buster. But what kind of signal is that as to the relevance / influence or otherwise of all the agencies and authorities so far involved?
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Monaco
Update on activity
Eruption in Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland
Current events
Deflation - 20 April 2010 13:30
Latest available results from GPS stations around Eyjafjallajökull showed deflation associated with the eruption. This suggested that the volume of eruptive material which has been ejected already, relieves pressure off the volcano.
No movements associated with the Katla volcano are presently observed.
Sound blasts - 20 April 2010 12:30
Heavy sound blasts have been heard and found near Eyjafjallajökull, especially south and east of the mountain, and more clearly after wind speeds became lower.
The viscosity of the magma from Eyjafjallajökull is higher than on Fimmvörðuháls. This enhances the explosive sound effect. Shock- and soundwaves are carried long distances.
Articles < Seismicity < Icelandic Meteorological office
Latest advisory image
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/aviation...1271763280.png
Eruption in Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland
Current events
Deflation - 20 April 2010 13:30
Latest available results from GPS stations around Eyjafjallajökull showed deflation associated with the eruption. This suggested that the volume of eruptive material which has been ejected already, relieves pressure off the volcano.
No movements associated with the Katla volcano are presently observed.
Sound blasts - 20 April 2010 12:30
Heavy sound blasts have been heard and found near Eyjafjallajökull, especially south and east of the mountain, and more clearly after wind speeds became lower.
The viscosity of the magma from Eyjafjallajökull is higher than on Fimmvörðuháls. This enhances the explosive sound effect. Shock- and soundwaves are carried long distances.
Articles < Seismicity < Icelandic Meteorological office
Latest advisory image
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/aviation...1271763280.png
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: West Sussex
May be of interest to some of you that Heathrow Special are now issuing SVFR clearances for transit of the London CTR for 'normal' (non-emergency) aircraft again for the first time since this all started.
Hope this of interest to someone.
Hope this of interest to someone.
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 45
Likes: 4
From: Dahn Saa'af
I suggest anyone who doubts the presence of the ash in the air goes to their local flying club or training organisation and looks at the piston engined aircraft that have, thankfully for the health of the club, still been regularly flying over the last 5 days in 20K plus visibilities at low level...
Unusual grey propwash shaped streaks and swirls are visible on leading edges and black propellors are grey. Fortunately these aircraft are cutting through the air at not much more than 100 knots and everythings at not much higher than ambient temperature. Air filters designed to cope with dusty grass runways are not presented with a problem.
Unusual grey propwash shaped streaks and swirls are visible on leading edges and black propellors are grey. Fortunately these aircraft are cutting through the air at not much more than 100 knots and everythings at not much higher than ambient temperature. Air filters designed to cope with dusty grass runways are not presented with a problem.
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 623
Likes: 1
From: UK
I'm sure that many of us are presently watching those aircraft holding over the IOM and Liverpool trying to get to LHR (even the anti-spotters are secretly doing it). The commanders of those aircraft all feel that it is safe to land at LHR. Could somebody please explain why it is safe for these aircraft to land at other airports within the 'ash cloud' but not at LHR? Is the ash thicker at LHR than it is at BRU?
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 615
Likes: 8
From: Middle England
Meanwhile, the BA YYC-LHR flight is almost directly overhead a CAVOK LHR on a diversion to god knows where. Is anyone seriously suggesting that landing in Ostend or Brussels is so much safer than landing at LHR?
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,896
Likes: 1
From: Rockytop, Tennessee, USA
Could somebody please explain why it is safe for these aircraft to land at other airports within the 'ash cloud' but not at LHR? Is the ash thicker at LHR than it is at BRU?
Meanwhile, looks like the LH and KL flights to the U.S. have resumed...
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 648
Likes: 74
From: uk
I am sure there will be a few red faces in the near future in the UK aviation panorama for the decission made these days (or lack of). The press need to be made aware that the UK are using a different forecast to everyone else's this is why there are no flights in the UK. It has nothing to do with scientific measurements...
What would have happenned if 24 BA planes had landed at LHR without clearance??? Well you will never find out but if they had done it the restrictions would have been lifted much faster.
What would have happenned if 24 BA planes had landed at LHR without clearance??? Well you will never find out but if they had done it the restrictions would have been lifted much faster.
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: England
Transport sec and Chair of CAA making statement along the lines that airspace will be reopened from 22:00. Also 'The Met Office confirms that the current indicated no-fly zones do not currently cover the UK'.
Lets hope we can get something down tonight out of the BA 26.
Lets hope we can get something down tonight out of the BA 26.
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Granada, Spain
Quick question...
This is getting very political; a battle of wits between BA and NATS/CAA/HMG despite what BA say.
Have been watching BA084 at FL340 in orbit over the Irish sea/IOM for the best part of an hour...whilst others arriving from the USA are heading for Shannon.
Could it be that BA084 is being used by the company as a 'fuel emergency' trial aircraft to force the issue and request a straight in to LHR or MAN?
pp
This is getting very political; a battle of wits between BA and NATS/CAA/HMG despite what BA say.
Have been watching BA084 at FL340 in orbit over the Irish sea/IOM for the best part of an hour...whilst others arriving from the USA are heading for Shannon.
Could it be that BA084 is being used by the company as a 'fuel emergency' trial aircraft to force the issue and request a straight in to LHR or MAN?
pp
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,896
Likes: 1
From: Rockytop, Tennessee, USA
BAW084 seems not to be giving up, maybe getting some practise hand-flying the hold
At least three B744 Speedbirds still in holding, are they waiting for some announcement about opening EGLL? Is someone about to make a decision on opening UK airspace?