In recent times, the alert level for the Mayon Volcano was elevated to level 2, indicating increased volcanic activity. This development presents potential hazards to aircraft, necessitating appropriate rerouting. Meanwhile, the Taal Volcano has been assigned an alert level 1 status. This prompts the question, how do volcanic eruptions and the subsequent release of volcanic ash influence flight operations and affect planes flying nearby?
For those who travel by air, the thought of volcanic eruptions disrupting flights might not immediately come to mind. Yet, volcanic ash clouds present a significant, albeit less recognized, hazard to flight safety. While the beauty of a volcano’s eruption may mesmerize onlookers from the ground, these natural spectacles generate plumes of volcanic ash that can pose significant threats to planes.
Why are these ash clouds such a concern? Primarily, volcanic ash has the potential to cause severe damage to airplane engines, air sensors, and the exterior of the plane itself. This unseen peril is often invisible to the human eye when in flight, with pilots often realizing they’re in an ash cloud only when its effects begin to manifest, which in itself is an alarming situation.
The Risks to Airplane Engines
The interaction of volcanic ash with airplane engines poses the most immediate and severe risk. When engines ingest these fine particles, a dangerous chain reaction begins. The high temperatures within jet engines cause the ash particles to melt into a glassy substance. However, when this molten material reaches the cooler parts of the engine, it re-solidifies, creating crystalline deposits. These can block air filters, clog fuel nozzles, and damage vital engine components, all of which can lead to a catastrophic engine flameout, the complete loss of engine power.
The Impact on Air Sensors and the Aircraft’s Exterior
Volcanic ash can wreak havoc beyond the engine. By sticking to and clogging up air sensors, ash can cause these instruments to deliver incorrect readings. These sensors feed crucial information to the cockpit’s displays, such as altitude, heading, and speed, which the pilots use to make essential decisions. With inaccurate data, the crew’s ability to safely operate the plane is seriously compromised.
Additionally, the abrasive nature of volcanic ash can damage the exterior of the aircraft. The forward-facing surfaces of airplanes, including the windscreen, compressor blades, and fuselage, may be scratched by volcanic ash, resembling the effect of sandpaper on glass. This can result in poor visibility for pilots and potential mechanical issues. Furthermore, volcanic ash can contaminate the plane’s ventilation and pressurization system, setting off alarms and creating additional concerns for the flight crew.
Case Studies and the Importance of Flight Safety
The potential for volcanic ash to interfere with safe flight is not merely theoretical. In 1982, a British Airways Boeing 747 unwittingly flew through an ash cloud from Mount Galunggung’s eruption in Indonesia, causing all four engines to flame out. The pilot managed to restart three engines and landed the aircraft safely, illustrating the potential catastrophic outcome of encountering an ash cloud.
In an era where air safety is a cornerstone of the aviation industry, preemptive measures are taken to avoid such scenarios. When volcanic activity heightens, flights may be suspended or rerouted to prevent planes, passengers, and crew from being put at risk. Understanding the risks associated with volcanic ash and the measures taken to prevent disaster highlights the complexities of ensuring flight safety amidst natural hazards.
Volcanic eruptions are breathtaking displays of nature’s power, but they can also be disruptive forces for aviation. Understanding how volcanic ash clouds affect flights is crucial, from the threats they pose to engines, air sensors, and the aircraft’s exterior, to the potential life-threatening situations they can create. While the unseen dangers of volcanic ash may not be immediately evident, the aviation industry’s commitment to flight safety ensures that these risks are managed and mitigated.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
