Do you have evidence that the highly corrosive but transparent gases near and in those clouds can be detected through simple visual observation?
There has been much research on this, too include all sorts of conditions and the aircraft and engine manufactures all agree, no danger unless it is visible.
Besides, there are detectors ( http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/process_engineering/report-23167.html), as well as satillite info.
Intake, cook it, exhaust.
Visible condition, particulate matter that is not incinerated becomes glass and might cause problems. Fly through the deepest part of the plume and you have real problems.
Again, like I said in my earlier post on ATC in Europe, not a factor.
European authorities admit they over-reacted and badly. Met office is clear—they screwed up and acted absent any real data.
I spoke with a representative in London just last week. He was embarrassed over their actions and is making the rounds quietly to professional aviators forums and doing damage control, basically saying, yup, Big Mistake.
But what do we professional aviators know. We just live in that medium.
Face it, a lot of people (sheeple) are just plain simple when it comes to the subject of flying. Any and ALL actions taken in the name of “safety” are embraced uncritically and kool-aid is passed around. New TSA procedures as a chaser, anyone? Embrace the nanny-state and have fun.
I’ll just say, reply (as I know you will) if it makes you feel better (as I know it will). I think enough has been said to define the issue and I’ll not be back.