Hayli Gubbi: Why volcanic ash is dangerous for aircraft, Pg15

Key Highlights:

• The eruption of Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia on Sunday disrupted airline schedules globally, including in India.
• India's DGCA issued an urgent advisory to Indian airlines to avoid volcanic ash-affected areas and report any ash encounter.
• The ash clouds, reaching up to 14 km high, drifted over Yemen, Oman, Pakistan, and parts of India.
• Volcanic ash is dangerous because it can damage aircraft engines, clog sensors, and reduce cabin air quality.
• In past incidents, volcanic ash has caused engine failures and significant damage to aircraft, costing millions of dollars.

Detailed Insights:

• The Hayli Gubbi eruption is reported to be its first in approximately 12,000 years, posing a new challenge for aviation safety.
• Volcanic ash contains abrasive particles and toxic gases that can enter aircraft ventilation systems, leading to respiratory issues.
• Jet engines are particularly vulnerable, as volcanic ash melts inside the engine, forming a glass-like layer on turbine blades and disrupting airflow.
• Pilots are trained to glide aircraft through cold air to shatter the glass layer, but engine damage can be permanent.
• The DGCA advisory includes post-flight inspections, monitoring of engine performance, and potential suspension of operations at affected airports.
• Airlines are closely monitoring the situation, with some flights being cancelled or delayed due to precautionary checks.
• ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) provides guidance on volcanic ash to ensure global aviation safety standards.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Volcanic Ash: Fine particles of rock, minerals, and glass ejected during a volcanic eruption.
• Jet Engine: An engine that produces thrust by ejecting a high-speed jet of hot gas.
• Turbine Blades: Rotating components in a jet engine that extract energy from the flow of hot gases.
• Engine Flameout: A sudden and unexpected shutdown of an aircraft engine during flight.