The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has made a new ruling allowing aircraft to fly in higher volcanic ash density areas to reduce airspace closures.
The CAA has created a new area of operations, the time limited zone (TLZ), between the existing no fly zone (NFZ) and the red enhanced procedures zone (EPZ).
Airlines would require an agreement from its aircraft and engine manufacturers to fly in the ash zone.
CAA chief executive Andrew Haines said the volcano’s proximity to the UK, the length of time it was continuously erupting and the weather patterns were all exceptional features.
“The answer can only come, therefore, from aircraft and engine manufacturers establishing what level of ash their products can safely tolerate,” he said.
The TLZ is based on measurements collected from test flights through the current ash cloud over the past month, on data and evidence from previous volcanic ash incidents and additional analysis from manufacturers.
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By GlobalDataOperations in the TLZ may be subject to time limits and increased maintenance practices, according to the CAA.
