Volcanic ash clouds pose a real threat to aircraft safety. More than 80 jet airplanes have encountered volcanic ash clouds in the past 15 years often resulting in damage to the aircraft and its engines. Once released, the ash plume can drift over great distances and cause disruptions to air traffic, even thousands of kilometres from its source. This was the case in September 1992 following the eruption of Mount Spurr in Alaska. Given the immediate and prolonged threat posed by volcanic ash, airline flight safety considerations are foremost. Air carrier operations, procedures, routings, communications, and training are essential in maintaining the highest level of aviation safety
The 8th Conference on Aviation, Range, and Aerospace Meteorology