Beyond Dawlish

Volcanic Ash and Its Impact on Aircraft Engines

Volcanic ash poses a serious threat to aviation safety, especially to jet engines. Unlike common weather phenomena, ash clouds are not visible on standard onboard radar systems, making them particularly dangerous. Understanding the hazards of volcanic ash and how to avoid them is a critical subject covered in DGCA Ground Classes.

What Is Volcanic Ash?

Volcanic ash is made up of fine, abrasive particles of rock, glass, and minerals ejected during a volcanic eruption. These particles are light enough to be carried high into the atmosphere and spread over thousands of kilometers. In DGCA Ground Classes, students learn how volcanic activity is tracked and reported through systems like VAACs (Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers).

How It Affects Aircraft Engines

Jet engines operate at extremely high temperatures. When volcanic ash is ingested:

• It melts in the combustion chamber.

• The molten ash then re-solidifies on turbine blades and nozzle guide vanes.

• This blocks airflow and can lead to engine flameout or complete engine failure.

Pilots studying in DGCA Ground Classes are taught the symptoms of ash ingestion and the immediate actions to be taken, such as reducing power and descending.

Additional Hazards

Aside from engine damage, volcanic ash can:

• Pit windscreens and reduce visibility

• Abrade fuselage and navigation lights

• Disrupt avionics and clog pitot-static systems

• Cause false weather radar returns

DGCA Ground Classes emphasize the importance of pre-flight NOTAM checks, SIGMETs, and satellite imagery to detect ash zones before flight.

How to Avoid Volcanic Ash

Avoidance is the only defense, as no aircraft is certified to fly through ash clouds. Key strategies include:

• Pre-flight review of SIGMETs and VAAC reports

• Monitoring METARs and TAFs at alternate airports

• Maintaining a safe distance from any known volcanic activity

Advanced modules in DGCA Ground Classes train future pilots on route planning and real-time decision-making to avoid such environmental hazards.

Conclusion

Volcanic ash is a silent threat to aviation, often invisible yet highly destructive. From disabling engines to damaging instruments, its impact can be devastating. That’s why DGCA Ground Classes provide essential training on identification, avoidance, and response protocols—ensuring pilots are prepared to tackle even the most unexpected dangers in the skies.