Preparedness and Mitigation

Photo of Ruapehu Volcano provided by Michigan Tech Univ.

The best way to avoid a volcanic cloud is not to fly into it. If you see what looks like a volcanic cloud, especially in a region where they occur, do not fly into it.
Unfortunately, it is possible to get into a volcanic cloud without knowing it. This is especially true at night. Volcanic clouds are not detected by aircraft radar systems, because the particles in them are too small to have strong radar returns. If you should inadvertantly get into one you might be notice one or more of the warning signs below:

Information obtained from Campbell, Ernest E. ,1994

At night, there is a heavy static discharge (St. Elmo's fire) around the windshield, accompanied by a bright white glow in the engine inlets.

Also at night, landing lights cast sharp, distinct shadows in volcanic clouds, versus the fuzzy shadows made in meteoric clouds.

Volcanic dust will be apparent in the cockpit and cabin.

An acrid odor similar to electrical dust will be present and possibly accompinied by the rotten egg smell of sulfur.

Multiple engine malfunctions, such as surge, increasing exhaust-gas temperature, torching from tailpipe, and flameouts.

Decrease in indicated airspeed.

Increase in cabin altitude or loss of cabin pressure.

At first glance it may appear that there is no way to prepare a pilot and the crew for the impending danger from a volcanic ash cloud, but there are certain measures that can be made to deter the amount of damage suffered by the plane and passengers.

Transport Canada- Emergency Preparedness

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