AIC – ÍSLAND / ICELAND
Isavia ANS ehf., Reykjavíkurflugvelli, 102 Reykjavík /
Isavia ANS, Reykjavik Airport, IS-102 Reykjavik, Iceland
Sími / Telephone: + 354 424 4000
ais@isavia.is
http://www.isavia.is/ 
 
AIC B 002 / 2020
Effective from  14 AUG 2020
Published on 14 AUG 2020
 
 
Einkaflug í öskumenguðu loftrými / Volcanic ash General Aviation
Content Responsibility: 

1 Application

This AIC is applicable for general aviation.
The purpose of this AIC is to provide information and guidance on operation in ash contaminated areas.

2 Key principles

  • Operation in visible volcanic ash should be avoided.
  • Restricted area may be declared around the volcanic source. The extent of such an area depends on the prevailing circumstances.
  • The pilot is responsible for the safe operation of aircraft in contaminated areas.
  • In case of flying into contaminated airspace, the pilot shall immediately report to the nearest ATS unit (AFIS, TWR or ACC). After landing the pilot shall report the encounter to the appropriate maintenance organisation and to the Icelandic Transport Authority (mandatory.reporting@icetra.is).
  • Pilots are advised to familiarize themselves with the terms of the aircraft insurance against damage caused by ash.
  • Pilots are advised to familiarize themselves with applicable NOTAM and SIGMET.
SIGMET will be issued for volcanic ash cloud.

NOTAM will be issued with information regarding the volcanic eruption and, if applicable, the restricted area declared around the volcanic source.

3 Guidance to pilots (source UK CAP 1236)

3.1 The following guidance should be read in conjunction with chapter 2

Engine damage is particularly concerning for turbine- engine aircraft, but probably less so for other internal combustion engines, where the combustion air can be filtered. However, in some piston engine installations, fixed- wing or rotary-wing, the use of carburetor hot air will bypass the air intake filter and therefore pilots should be aware of the potential for airborne contamination to reach the engine. If possible, conditions of cloud, drizzle, mist and any other known or probable areas of high humidity requiring the extended use of carburetor hot air should be avoided.

Ash may also find its way into pitot/static systems, or affect the lubrication of moving parts such as rotor heads, gearboxes and other bearings.

It may be prudent to avoid flight over areas where the choice of landing areas in the event of engine failure is limited, even in twin-engine aircraft.

4 Definitions of low, medium and high contaminated areas

The following definitions of contamination are applicable regarding operation of aircraft in airspace contaminated with volcanic ash:
  • Area of Low Contamination:
    Airspace of defined dimensions where volcanic ash may be encountered at concentrations greater than 0.2 x 10 -3 grams/m3, but equal to or less than 2 x 10 -3 g/m 3.
  • Area of Medium Contamination:
    Airspace of defined dimensions where volcanic ash may be encountered at concentrations greater than 2 x 10 -3 g/m 3, but less than 4 x 10 -3 g/m 3.
  • Area of High Contamination:
    Airspace of defined dimensions where volcanic ash may be encountered at concentrations equal to or greater than 4 x 10 -3 g/m 3, or areas of contaminated airspace where no ash concentration guidance is available.

5 Information regarding volcanic ash

Maps and further Information can be accessed on the websites of the Icelandic MET office, the UK MET office, Eurocontrol and EASA.
Veðurstofa Íslands / Icelandic Met Office https://www.vedur.is/ and https://en.vedur.is/
UK MET office: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/services/transport/aviation/regulated
London VAAC: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/services/transport/aviation/regulated/vaac
Eurocontrol: https://www.public.nm.eurocontrol.int/PUBPORTAL/gateway/spec/index.html
EASA: https://www.easa.europa.eu/easa-and-you/safety-management/volcanic-ash
 

6 Additional information

For further information, contact The Icelandic Transport Authority, tel. +354 480 6000 or email icetra@icetra.is.

 

 

Upplýsingabréf fellt úr gildi / AIC cancelled:

AIC B 001 / 2015, AIC A 015/2019, AIC A 014/2019, AIC A 013/2019, AIC A 008/2018
 
ENDIR / END