UK CAA Anounces progress minimising ash disruption problems

The UK Civil Aviation Authority annouced changes to the regulations on ash flying

On 17th May 2010 the CAA posted an update to their website in a document named:
           "Further progress made to safely minimise ash disruption"

The text of this docment is:
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today reports a positive outcome from discussions with airlines, regulators, and aircraft and engine manufacturers resulting in new measures to reduce airspace closures caused by volcanic ash. These new measures will be available from midday tomorrow.


A new area of operations can now be introduced that creates a ‘Time Limited Zone (TLZ)’ between the black ‘No Fly Zone (NFZ)’ and the red ‘Enhanced Procedures Zone (EPZ)’. Aircraft and engine manufacturers, based on new research and analysis, have agreed that it is safe to allow operations in the new zone for a limited time at higher ash densities than is currently permitted.

To operate in the new zone airlines need to present the CAA with a safety case that includes the agreement of their aircraft and engine manufacturers. UK airline Flybe is the first to achieve this and will therefore be able to use the new zone from midday tomorrow.

This means that areas of our airspace that would have previously been closed can safely open, further minimising flight disruption.

Announcing the change Andrew Haines, Civil Aviation Authority Chief Executive, said: “I’m pleased that the huge efforts we’re all making across aviation to keep flying safe whilst minimising the disruption from the volcano have resulted in further progress. Unprecedented situations require new measures and the challenge faced should not be underestimated. Firstly because the standard default procedure for aircraft that encounter ash, to avoid it completely, doesn't work in our congested airspace. Secondly, the world’s top scientists tell us that we must not simply assume the effects of this volcano will be the same as others elsewhere. Its proximity to the UK, the length of time it is continuously erupting and the weather patterns are all exceptional features.

"The answer can only come, therefore, from aircraft and engine manufacturers establishing what level of ash their products can safely tolerate. At an international aviation conference we held last Thursday, attended by all the leading airline operators this approach was welcomed and supported. The manufacturers are co-operating fully and urgently in this task and the new zone is an excellent example of how the industry should be working to move the issue forward and I commend Flybe for its work.

"It's the CAA's job to ensure the public is kept safe by ensuring safety decisions are based on scientific and engineering evidence; we will not listen to those who effectively say 'let's suck it and see."

The introduction of the Time Limited Zone is based on measurements collected from test flights through the current ash cloud over the past month, as well as on data and evidence compiled and analysed from previous volcanic ash incidents combined with additional analysis from manufacturers.

Operations in the newly established Time Limited Zone may be subject to time limits and increased maintenance practices. The new Zone’s area will be established using Met Office forecasts, and will be approved by the CAA before operations are allowed within it.

The CAA will maintain its focus on the public interest by bringing the industry together to facilitate safe operations. Already over the past month there has been much learning from the combined efforts of operators, manufacturers, NATS, other regulators, forecasters from the Met Office, volcanologists and research agencies and this will continue.

For more information contact the CAA Press Office on 020 7453 6030 (out of hours 01293 567171) or press.office@caa.co.uk

Notes to Editors

1. The previous limit set by manufacturers allowed aircraft to operate where the amount of ash was less than 2x10-3 grammes per cubic metre of air. The new Time Limited Zone allows limited flights through ash levels of up to 4x10-3 grammes. This doubles the safe operating threshold of ash acceptable by engines.

2. The CAA is the UK's specialist aviation regulator. Its activities include: making sure that the aviation industry meets the highest technical and operational safety standards; preventing holidaymakers from being stranded abroad or losing money because of tour operator insolvency; planning and regulating all UK airspace; and regulating airports, air traffic services and airlines and providing advice on aviation policy from an economic standpoint.