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Federal Agencies Team To Protect Aircraft From Volcanic Ash
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A number of federal agencies have collaborated on a new program to track volcanic ash and report the risks to the aviation community. "This plan will help us detect, track and forecast hazardous ash clouds and adequately warn the aviation community on the present and future location of the cloud," said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad Lautenbacher, undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "Coordinating these activities should significantly reduce danger," he added.
The National Volcanic Ash Operations Plan For Aviation defines agency responsibilities during volcanic eruptions and provides an interagency standard for volcanic ash-related observations, advisories, warnings, notices and forecasts. The plan also covers agency backup procedures. This includes coordination of information between scientists, air traffic controllers, dispatchers and pilots. "The United States is one of the most volcanically rich countries in the world with 169 active and dormant volcanoes," said Director of the U.S. Geological Survey Mark Myers. "Many of these volcanoes are capable of erupting explosively and ejecting volcanic ash high into busy air routes." Volcanic ash can cause aircraft engine failure or damage navigational instruments, NOAA noted. Table of Contents
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