Seeking Standardization Across Multiple Regulatory Agencies

The European Union is looking at adopting U.S.-developed rules for flight into areas where airborne volcanic ash is present. The adoption would standardize rules in European airspace, and give airlines flying in Europe more discretion in determining whether or not to fly.

EASA hopes that the adoption will result in fewer flight delays and cancellations from the still-erupting volcano in Iceland.

The agency has been in discussions with the FAA, UKMET, which tracks the ash cloud, Transport Canada, and the EC. EASA spokesman Daniel Hoeltgen said that adopting the rules developed in North America would "be a uniform solution for all Europe. There would be less discussion of national differences."

The Wall Street Journal reports that airlines in Europe have been critical of regulators who have come to distinctly different interpretations of the concentrations of airborne ash. Some countries have closed airspace entirely, while neighbors have kept airways open with the same conditions. Flight cancellations, lengthy delays, and a lot of confusion have been the result of the patchwork of policies.

The FAA SOP is to declare a no-fly zone around an erupting volcano or where there is visible ash. Airlines are given broad discretion about the decision to fly outside that area, similar to diverting around weather. The Canadian approach is nearly identical.

While the EU looks at the U.S. procedures, the ICAO is working on global standards for flight restrictions associated with volcanic ash.

FMI: www.easa.europa.eu, www.faa.gov