So far, no planes were able to fly during the volcanic ash cloud shutdown of the past few months. However, EasyJet is planning to install ash cloud radars in their airplanes by the end of the year. The radars will cost 20.000 Euros each but will allow the pilots to fly around the ash clouds.
The radar, two cameras - operating as heat sensors - will let ash clouds turn up at the pilots monitor. The system has been tested on active volcanoes in Sicily. However, the system's creator admits it still needs more testing before it can be used by EasyJet.
he Civil Aviation Authority, which has accused the industry of trying to shift the blame to the regulators for the ash shutdown, welcomed the announcement of EasyJet. Andrew Haines, the CAA chief executive, said: "I very much hope that this is a sign that the industry is ready to play its part in finding a fundamental solution ... rather than pretending that the problem does not exist."
Finally, airlines get to strike back! No more volcanic ash cloud terror. At least, if the system passes all of the tests. I surely hope it does.
It is a good thing that finally some people are stepping up to the problem by creating this system. Lets hope it works so we never have to worry about ash clouds again.
However, I have this gut feeling that the Eyjafjallajokull will stay dormant for a long while now, leaving the radar to be useless. But ofcourse there will always be other volcanoes!
Link to article href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jun/04/easyjet-volcanic-ash-radar"
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