New volcanic Ash Cloud Threatens Attempts To Reopen UK Airspace

The Guardian (UK) ^ | 4-19-2010 | Jonathan Haynes

[Atlas Sneezed]

Yeah, that’s todays Terra satellite view. Note that the ash is at low altitude with clouds above it, and that it clearly diminishes as it tails off. This is not the same phenomenon as the initial eruption that injected ash into the stratosphere.

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Yes, but your version won’t sell more newspapers!

[dr_lew]

I wouldn't be surprised if they do another shutdown, either. People are starting to talk! Cf. Is volcanic ash the new swine flu?

[blam]

From the article you linked:

" We do not know because we can no longer trust the sources from which we would normally expect to receive authoritative information. There is a complete breakdown in confidence between the public and the politico-scientific establishment."

I don't believe anyone about anything anymore.

[blam]

"Yeah, that's todays Terra satellite view. Note that the ash is at low altitude with clouds above it, and that it clearly diminishes as it tails off. This is not the same phenomenon as the initial eruption that injected ash into the stratosphere."

Thanks. That's a good 'eye' on that.

[bog trotter]

Re: “maybe this is God’s way...”
Yep, that was my second, or third, thought, too.
First guess was that “He that sitteth in the Heavens shall laugh.” With reference to global warming.
But then I got to wondering, also, if maybe someone ELSES plans were put on hold.

[Star Traveler]

Volcanic ash cloud: Pilots warn against 'rash' decisions to allow flights

European airline pilots warn governments about engine failures caused by ash amid pressure to get flights moving again

Pilots warn against ‘rash’ decisions to allow flights through the volcanic ash cloud amid pressure to get flights started again. Photograph: Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters

European airline pilots warned governments and safety regulators today against making "rash" decisions to allow planes to fly through volcanic ash clouds amid growing pressure from airlines across Europe to create "safe flying corridors" to get flights moving again.

The pilots' intervention came as air traffic controllers dashed hopes that flights would resume from London Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted this evening by announcing that most UK airspace would remain closed until 1am tomorrow. Airlines said the restrictions, which meant only a few flights took off from airports in Scotland and northern England, were an over-reaction.

BA announced tonight it was cancelling all flights until midday tomorrow.

The UK's air safety watchdog, the Civil Aviation Authority, is holding meetings with national air traffic controllers, airline executives and Lord Adonis, the transport secretary, to discuss flying through zones with small amounts of ash. But the European Cockpit Association, told the Guardian today that any attempts to establish "safe flying corridors" through airspace where ash was present should not be rushed.

[ ... see more at link ...]