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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Varche on 15 April 2010, 07:45:26

Title: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Varche on 15 April 2010, 07:45:26
GRR. Just about to set off to Malaga airport to collect my elderly parents off an early UK flight to discover the flight is cancelled not just postponed. Worse they are still at the airport without transport as they were "dropped off" by a relative who didn't check them in as I suggested.

Haven't seen them for a year. This will put them off flying for good!

Can you see the ash?   :( :( :(
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Pitchfork on 15 April 2010, 08:08:29
According to BBC Radio 4 (other stations are available) it cannot be seen but at the altitude it's at, aircraft engines are at serious risk if they fly through it
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Plomien on 15 April 2010, 08:11:46
First Iceland cause problems with the banks then this, whatever next!!! ;D :D
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8621407.stm
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Weds on 15 April 2010, 11:56:24
This makes interesting reading its about British Airways flight 9 a 747 which had all 4 engines fail due to flying through volcanic ash.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Airways_Flight_9

So you can see why they have cancelled all flights that are affected by the ash..
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Jimbob on 15 April 2010, 12:02:46
Entire UK airspace now closed  :o
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Lazydocker on 15 April 2010, 12:13:48
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Entire UK airspace now closed  :o

Until at least 1800, possibly longer :o :o

Bet my in laws are glad they flew back from Turkey yesterday ;D
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: cmeonthemove on 15 April 2010, 12:24:42
Could be fun for my mate and his family. They're supposed to land at Heathrow from LA this afternoon!  :-?

Apparently this is the first time that particular volcano has erupted for nearly 200 years.
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Xplicit 2.0 on 15 April 2010, 13:16:36
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Could be fun for my mate and his family. They're supposed to land at Heathrow from LA this afternoon!  :-?

Apparently this is the first time that particular volcano has erupted for nearly 200 years.
correct... and as a result, apparently a neighboring volcano may erupt anytime soon as well  :-/
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Gaffers on 15 April 2010, 14:17:51
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Entire UK airspace now closed  :o

The wife only just got out on her trip this morning, one of the last to leave I think.  We got a call at 0445am from her saying her flight had been brought forward so she needs to get to work now!  ;D
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Gaffers on 15 April 2010, 16:44:48
Well, it looks like I won't see the wife 'for the foreseeable future'  :'(

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8621407.stm

Party at mine?  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Ghost on 15 April 2010, 16:58:41
I cant see any ash, its just grey skys, has been the whole day here.
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Richie London on 15 April 2010, 17:06:47
my neice is stuck in france until tomorrow  :)
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: redelitev6 on 15 April 2010, 17:23:03
 >:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 15 April 2010, 17:23:52
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Entire UK airspace now closed  :o

Until at least 1800, possibly longer :o :o

Bet my in laws are glad they flew back from Turkey yesterday ;D

we would be happy to keep them as our guests :) :y
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 15 April 2010, 17:26:12
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>:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?


When many lives are at risk it can never be "typical overkill" ;) ;)  As I understand it helicopters have usually only one engine and cannot glide; so engine failure = goodbye!! ::) ::)
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: redelitev6 on 15 April 2010, 17:31:00
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>:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?


When many lives are at risk it can never be "typical overkill" ;) ;)  As I understand it helicopters have usually only one engine and cannot glide; so engine failure = goodbye!! ::) ::)
Helicopter flies at a few thousand  feet at most ?
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 15 April 2010, 17:42:56
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>:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?


When many lives are at risk it can never be "typical overkill" ;) ;)  As I understand it helicopters have usually only one engine and cannot glide; so engine failure = goodbye!! ::) ::)
Helicopter flies at a few thousand  feet at most ?


The Bell 429, which is designed with the emergency services in mind has a hover ceiling of 4,307 metres, around 13,000 feet.

No one can predict where the ash cloud will go, or at what altitude could it fall to.  If one the emergency helicopters fell out of the sky, with crew and patient on board, onto a built up area, after all the warnings being given, you can just imagine the moral, legal and general outrage that would follow.

Would you take the risk of flying in such risky and uncertain conditions when it is not absolutely necessary? ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: redelitev6 on 15 April 2010, 17:58:52
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>:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?


When many lives are at risk it can never be "typical overkill" ;) ;)  As I understand it helicopters have usually only one engine and cannot glide; so engine failure = goodbye!! ::) ::)
Helicopter flies at a few thousand  feet at most ?


The Bell 429, which is designed with the emergency services in mind has a hover ceiling of 4,307 metres, around 13,000 feet.

No one can predict where the ash cloud will go, or at what altitude could it fall to.  If one the emergency helicopters fell out of the sky, with crew and patient on board, onto a built up area, after all the warnings being given, you can just imagine the moral, legal and general outrage that would follow.

Would you take the risk of flying in such risky and uncertain conditions when it is not absolutely necessary? ::) ::) ::)
;) brilliant blue skies here!! what ash??
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: plym ian on 15 April 2010, 19:03:40
I hope the ash doesn't come too low just washed and polished my car :) :)
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 15 April 2010, 19:21:17
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I hope the ash doesn't come too low just washed and polished my car :) :)


Pray then that it does not rain, as apparently it will come down to ground level it it does!! ::) ::) :D :D :D ;)
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: plym ian on 15 April 2010, 19:34:08
it will probably rain now you've said it  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 15 April 2010, 19:44:11
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it will probably rain now you've said it  ;D ;D ;D


I do tend to have that effect! :D :D :D ;)
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 15 April 2010, 19:48:30
I don't think it is my imagination, but the sunset in the south east is very orange and purplish in places, with what looks like'dusty' looking clouds at high level.  The ash cloud could be over us. ;) ;)

Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: plym ian on 15 April 2010, 19:50:00
so if it rains and my car gets covered in ash will you come and wash and polish it again ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 15 April 2010, 20:03:13
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so if it rains and my car gets covered in ash will you come and wash and polish it again ;D ;D ;D


No, because the glass particles in the dust will scratch your paintwork and you will blame me! ::) ::) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

High pressure washing will be the answer, or just leave dirty! :D :D ;)
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: plym ian on 15 April 2010, 20:10:22
i'll leave it dirty i only wash it once a month any way and also when i wash it a kind bird poops on it ;D ;D
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 15 April 2010, 20:16:41
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>:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?

Yep, decided by some government appointed H&S desk jockey who's never flown in his life, I guess.

Ash is being kept to the upper air by a decent inversion so no reason whatsoever not to fly at the levels used by air ambulance.

Kevin
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Banjax on 15 April 2010, 20:26:56
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This makes interesting reading its about British Airways flight 9 a 747 which had all 4 engines fail due to flying through volcanic ash.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Airways_Flight_9

So you can see why they have cancelled all flights that are affected by the ash..

amazing story  :y
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: panderson on 15 April 2010, 20:29:32
re the BA flight in Indinesia, I actually work in the factory that repaired the engines from that plane and they tell me they actually had to shovel the ash out of the engine internals in bucketloads
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Turk on 15 April 2010, 20:56:57
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>:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?


When many lives are at risk it can never be "typical overkill" ;) ;)  As I understand it helicopters have usually only one engine and cannot glide; so engine failure = goodbye!! ::) ::)
Not quite, thankfully.  :y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5WoDFwikfQ&annotation_id=annotation_421044&feature=iv
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: sneakypenguin on 16 April 2010, 03:15:56
just been watching a few videos of the eruption on youtube and although it brings travel chaos to millions of people, i've got to say it's a spectacular event, mother nature at her best.

*now dons flameproof jacket*  :D 
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 16 April 2010, 07:35:53
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This makes interesting reading its about British Airways flight 9 a 747 which had all 4 engines fail due to flying through volcanic ash.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Airways_Flight_9

So you can see why they have cancelled all flights that are affected by the ash..

amazing story  :y


It is, they did a series of programs on TV where they showed different aircraft problems  and this was one of the stories told.  They got all 4 rngines back when they dtopped altitude from gliding, they then had a problem approaching some mountian range and as they gained height lost the engines again.

When they finally landed they realised the reason they couldnt see anything was the fact that the volcanic ash had scoured the windsreen.

In all honesty after watching it and hearing there was a chance of volcanic dust in the air then no way I wouls want to fly.

Then you have to add, what if they had trouble after letting one plane near it, wouldnt there be total outcry from the public.
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 16 April 2010, 10:13:00
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>:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?


When many lives are at risk it can never be "typical overkill" ;) ;)  As I understand it helicopters have usually only one engine and cannot glide; so engine failure = goodbye!! ::) ::)
Not quite, thankfully.  :y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5WoDFwikfQ&annotation_id=annotation_421044&feature=iv


Thanks for that Turk :y :y :y.

Fascinating 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) ;)  What happens though if the rotors seize? :-/ :-/

It would still worry me though being in a helicopter, or any aircraft, in a situation where it could be 'sandblasted' at great speed, opaquing the perspex windscreens, stripping the paint off the fuselage, and of course finally seizing up the engines!! ::) ::) ::) :o :o :o :'( :'(

Why take the risk with lives when it is not essential?  This morning the air space lock down has extended into eastern Europe, as well as still being in place for most of the UK until "at least" tomorrow.  This, for me, is sensible practice when thousands of lives, or even just one plane with a few hundred, is at risk. ;) ;)   

I would not put my family on a plane at the moment ;)

Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Omegatoy on 16 April 2010, 11:20:37
Damn,
yesterday i was ok today im not!
! was due to fly to stuttgart today, then go to goppinghen, collect a vw multivan, drive it to denmark, pick up a caravan then drive back to malaga in spain!!
nice little round trip of 3300km or there abouts, but now cant start it till at least monday!!! I like icelandic off roaders but not thier volcanos!!!
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Varche on 16 April 2010, 11:33:30
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Damn,
yesterday i was ok today im not!
! was due to fly to stuttgart today, then go to goppinghen, collect a vw multivan, drive it to denmark, pick up a caravan then drive back to malaga in spain!!
nice little round trip of 3300km or there abouts, but now cant start it till at least monday!!! I like icelandic off roaders but not thier volcanos!!!

or banks!!. Nice little trip - hope the weather holds out!
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Omegatoy on 16 April 2010, 11:41:27
lol agree about the banks, when i said round trip of course i meant the driving part not the flying part!!! :y
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: BigAl on 16 April 2010, 12:00:30
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I would not put my family on a plane at the moment ;)
You say that , but I'm faced with a 7 hour trip to Cumbernauld tomorrow to bring my kids back from their grandparents on Sunday, instead of picking them up at Gatwick this evening  ::) , On the plus side it gets me away from decorating for a couple of days ;D
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Debs. on 16 April 2010, 12:16:01
My car`s covered in grey dust; which ran into rivulets in this morning`s dew.....
.....I do wish the Met. office would quit with the babying reassurance: "it`s so high-up, none will falling to ground level".

'Plain simple facts', that`s all folks ever need. ::)
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Sixstring on 16 April 2010, 12:18:50
Autorotation is a wonderful thing, but needs a damn good pilot for it to be totally successful.

Don't fancy it myself.
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: MikeDundee on 16 April 2010, 12:40:34
I can't see any ash at all, then again that's probably cos I'm in Thailand!!!!
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Ghost on 16 April 2010, 12:49:19
If I remember rightly not only does the ash clog up the filters and engine But
there is a lot of static electric caused by the ash which can cause a lot of electrical faults in the plains or choppers computer system causing them to stall.

we have blue skyes and it is lovely and warm.
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Gaffers on 16 April 2010, 16:01:35
Oh well the wife has been delayed until at least sunday now so she's hitting the jazz clubs in Chicago!  >:(  Wish I could be there for that.......

Looking at the forecast weather charts and air pressure it looks like the 'vog' will continue for some days yet!

So Party at mine tomorrow!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Turk on 16 April 2010, 16:07:40
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>:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?


When many lives are at risk it can never be "typical overkill" ;) ;)  As I understand it helicopters have usually only one engine and cannot glide; so engine failure = goodbye!! ::) ::)
Not quite, thankfully.  :y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5WoDFwikfQ&annotation_id=annotation_421044&feature=iv


Thanks for that Turk :y :y :y.

Fascinating 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) ;)  What happens though if the rotors seize? :-/ :-/




It suddenly develops the flying capabilities of a brick.  ::)
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 16 April 2010, 16:31:57
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It suddenly develops the flying capabilities of a brick.  ::)

I think the rotors can be disengaged from the drivetrain but, if that fails, said rotors probably depart to the four corners of the horizon. Then your day starts to get really interesting. :o

    “Helicopters don't fly, they're just so ugly the earth repels them.”
    ~ Dan the Man V2 on Helicopters

    “Helicopters are a conglomerate of parts going somewhere to crash. Your job as the pilot is to delay that crash as long as possible.”
    ~ Jim, Vietnam Helicopter Pilot on Helicopters

Kevin
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Pitchfork on 16 April 2010, 16:49:45
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Oh well the wife has been delayed until at least sunday now so she's hitting the jazz clubs in Chicago!  >:(  Wish I could be there for that.......

Looking at the forecast weather charts and air pressure it looks like the 'vog' will continue for some days yet!

So Party at mine tomorrow!  ;D ;D ;D
Tell her to visit Pete Millers in Evanston - best Steaks I ever ate were there (& they have Jazz)
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Gaffers on 16 April 2010, 16:56:21
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Oh well the wife has been delayed until at least sunday now so she's hitting the jazz clubs in Chicago!  >:(  Wish I could be there for that.......

Looking at the forecast weather charts and air pressure it looks like the 'vog' will continue for some days yet!

So Party at mine tomorrow!  ;D ;D ;D
Tell her to visit Pete Millers in Evanston - best Steaks I ever ate were there (& they have Jazz)

It's a way away on the 'El' though, plenty of good steak in the centre  :y
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: redelitev6 on 16 April 2010, 20:26:35
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>:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?


When many lives are at risk it can never be "typical overkill" ;) ;)  As I understand it helicopters have usually only one engine and cannot glide; so engine failure = goodbye!! ::) ::)
:-? just to add to the confusion-our local police helicopter was up yesterday!!
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Martin_1962 on 16 April 2010, 20:52:46
Stuck to my car - will be a PITA to wash off
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Entwood on 16 April 2010, 21:04:45
Those you don't believe the dust can cause damage, and those of you who are just interested might wish to read here ..

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/04/16/340727/pictures-finnish-f-18-engine-check-reveals-effects-of-volcanic.html

It is not nice stuff and does serious damage to aircraft engines .... :(
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 16 April 2010, 22:14:53
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>:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?


When many lives are at risk it can never be "typical overkill" ;) ;)  As I understand it helicopters have usually only one engine and cannot glide; so engine failure = goodbye!! ::) ::)
:-? just to add to the confusion-our local police helicopter was up yesterday!!

Where abouts are you? :-/ :-/
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Plomien on 17 April 2010, 12:01:58
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8625813.stm
shows where the cloud is and predicted to be, also a nice satellite shot of it
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Pitchfork on 17 April 2010, 12:15:12
I've seen a couple of light aircraft flying this morning in Hampshire
Does the lock-down not apply to all aircraft?
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Nickbat on 17 April 2010, 13:35:44
Just read this on the BBC website:

"Although technically not the country's fault - more thanks to Mother Nature - the volcanic ash has prompted the Daily Telegraph to ponder:  What has Iceland done for Britain?"

Why use the word "technically"? The eruption is not Iceland's fault. End of story.

More daft journalism. Where do they get these people from?  ::) ::)
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 17 April 2010, 13:38:04
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I've seen a couple of light aircraft flying this morning in Hampshire
Does the lock-down not apply to all aircraft?

Perhaps not to private aircraft flying at low altitude? :-/ :-/
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Debs. on 17 April 2010, 13:45:18
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I've seen a couple of light aircraft flying this morning in Hampshire
Does the lock-down not apply to all aircraft?

No, it`s only advisory for 'G.A' aircraft........as they`re flying slower, at lower altitude and are (often) piston-engined; so less apt to suffer the high-temp scouring/vitrification engine damage of turbo-props and turbo-fans. ;)
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 17 April 2010, 17:45:05
The pessimistic experts are talking in terms of this going on for perhaps "days", weeks, or even months" !! :o :o

All the time the volcano is erupting only "windows in the weather" (wind direction) will bring any possibility of relief! :( :(

What is going to happen in the aviation industry, and those companies / individuals who rely on it?  I can see many tears ahead even once all this has passed in an industry always fighting off financial disaster. :'( :'(
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: redelitev6 on 17 April 2010, 17:53:21
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>:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?


When many lives are at risk it can never be "typical overkill" ;) ;)  As I understand it helicopters have usually only one engine and cannot glide; so engine failure = goodbye!! ::) ::)
:-? just to add to the confusion-our local police helicopter was up yesterday!!

Where abouts are you? :-/ :-/
Newcastle,and at about 17.15 today(saturday) a large helicopter flew over the house
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 17 April 2010, 17:54:23
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>:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?


When many lives are at risk it can never be "typical overkill" ;) ;)  As I understand it helicopters have usually only one engine and cannot glide; so engine failure = goodbye!! ::) ::)
:-? just to add to the confusion-our local police helicopter was up yesterday!!

Where abouts are you? :-/ :-/
Newcastle,and at about 17.15 today(saturday) a large helicopter flew over the house

Military perhaps? :-/ :-/
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: redelitev6 on 17 April 2010, 17:58:14
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>:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?


When many lives are at risk it can never be "typical overkill" ;) ;)  As I understand it helicopters have usually only one engine and cannot glide; so engine failure = goodbye!! ::) ::)
:-? just to add to the confusion-our local police helicopter was up yesterday!!

Where abouts are you? :-/ :-/
Newcastle,and at about 17.15 today(saturday) a large helicopter flew over the house

Military perhaps? :-/ :-/
Looked like a private one ,big white one with retractable undercarriage
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 17 April 2010, 18:12:49
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>:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?


When many lives are at risk it can never be "typical overkill" ;) ;)  As I understand it helicopters have usually only one engine and cannot glide; so engine failure = goodbye!! ::) ::)
:-? just to add to the confusion-our local police helicopter was up yesterday!!

Where abouts are you? :-/ :-/
Newcastle,and at about 17.15 today(saturday) a large helicopter flew over the house

Military perhaps? :-/ :-/
Looked like a private one ,big white one with retractable undercarriage


Right :y

I heard earlier in our sky's a P51 Mustang flying around as it often does during the summer months.  Just proves the old technology still has it's place, even though there are no bombers to escort to Germany! :D :D :D :D

I reckon the owner / pilot was trying to say something! ::) ::) 8-) 8-) ;D ;D
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: redelitev6 on 17 April 2010, 18:17:23
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>:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?


When many lives are at risk it can never be "typical overkill" ;) ;)  As I understand it helicopters have usually only one engine and cannot glide; so engine failure = goodbye!! ::) ::)
:-? just to add to the confusion-our local police helicopter was up yesterday!!

Where abouts are you? :-/ :-/
Newcastle,and at about 17.15 today(saturday) a large helicopter flew over the house

Military perhaps? :-/ :-/
Looked like a private one ,big white one with retractable undercarriage


Right :y

I heard earlier in our sky's a P51 Mustang flying around as it often does during the summer months.  Just proves the old technology still has it's place, even though there are no bombers to escort to Germany! :D :D :D :D

I reckon the owner / pilot was trying to say something! ::) ::) 8-) 8-) ;D ;D
:( Sadly p51 mustangs are rare in these parts,bet it sounds good though!
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 17 April 2010, 18:25:40
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>:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?


When many lives are at risk it can never be "typical overkill" ;) ;)  As I understand it helicopters have usually only one engine and cannot glide; so engine failure = goodbye!! ::) ::)
:-? just to add to the confusion-our local police helicopter was up yesterday!!

Where abouts are you? :-/ :-/
Newcastle,and at about 17.15 today(saturday) a large helicopter flew over the house

Military perhaps? :-/ :-/
Looked like a private one ,big white one with retractable undercarriage


Right :y

I heard earlier in our sky's a P51 Mustang flying around as it often does during the summer months.  Just proves the old technology still has it's place, even though there are no bombers to escort to Germany! :D :D :D :D

I reckon the owner / pilot was trying to say something! ::) ::) 8-) 8-) ;D ;D
:( Sadly p51 mustangs are rare in these parts,bet it sounds good though!


Oh it does, an absolutely fabulous sound of a Merlin which the pilot uses to the full! 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: redelitev6 on 17 April 2010, 18:37:18
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>:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?


When many lives are at risk it can never be "typical overkill" ;) ;)  As I understand it helicopters have usually only one engine and cannot glide; so engine failure = goodbye!! ::) ::)
:-? just to add to the confusion-our local police helicopter was up yesterday!!

Where abouts are you? :-/ :-/
Newcastle,and at about 17.15 today(saturday) a large helicopter flew over the house

Military perhaps? :-/ :-/
Looked like a private one ,big white one with retractable undercarriage


Right :y

I heard earlier in our sky's a P51 Mustang flying around as it often does during the summer months.  Just proves the old technology still has it's place, even though there are no bombers to escort to Germany! :D :D :D :D

I reckon the owner / pilot was trying to say something! ::) ::) 8-) 8-) ;D ;D
:( Sadly p51 mustangs are rare in these parts,bet it sounds good though!


Oh it does, an absolutely fabulous sound of a Merlin which the pilot uses to the full! 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Best we get(and it dosen't get much better) is the battle of britain memorial flight when it comes up for the Sunderland air show ,it sometimes lands at Newcastle airport for an overnight stay,along with the red arrows, sadly only once a year though :(
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Gaffers on 17 April 2010, 19:14:24
Just had another call off the wife, flight cancelled again.  Looking at the weather it might be next weekend before she is back!  ::) ::)

Ah! Peace!  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: webby23 on 18 April 2010, 10:41:06
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>:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?


When many lives are at risk it can never be "typical overkill" ;) ;)  As I understand it helicopters have usually only one engine and cannot glide; so engine failure = goodbye!! ::) ::)

Lizzie look up "autorotation"
 :)
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 18 April 2010, 10:45:49
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>:( looks like typical overkill ,even the air ambulance has been grounded here,,surely the ash hasn't come down THAT low?


When many lives are at risk it can never be "typical overkill" ;) ;)  As I understand it helicopters have usually only one engine and cannot glide; so engine failure = goodbye!! ::) ::)

Lizzie look up "autorotation"
 :)


Thanks Penfold, very interesting :y :y

Still wouldn't like to be in a helicopter having to do that!! :o :o :D ;)
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Drewomega on 18 April 2010, 11:02:28
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GRR. Just about to set off to Malaga airport to collect my elderly parents off an early UK flight to discover the flight is cancelled not just postponed. Worse they are still at the airport without transport as they were "dropped off" by a relative who didn't check them in as I suggested.

Haven't seen them for a year. This will put them off flying for good!

Can you see the ash?   :( :( :(

Yep! I had ash on my car here yesterday until the snow washed it off this morning!  :D
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: jonnycool on 18 April 2010, 11:05:31
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GRR. Just about to set off to Malaga airport to collect my elderly parents off an early UK flight to discover the flight is cancelled not just postponed. Worse they are still at the airport without transport as they were "dropped off" by a relative who didn't check them in as I suggested.

Haven't seen them for a year. This will put them off flying for good!

Can you see the ash?   :( :( :(

Yep! I had ash on my car here yesterday until the snow washed it off this morning!  :D
It's been a strange year so far... ;D
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Varche on 18 April 2010, 11:22:59
Well my folks rebooked but of course that was cancelled too. They have abandoned coming over just now. :(

I read that some jet planes have done some "test flights" over the UK. Brave souls methinks. Presumably they dismantle the engines afterwards to check for damage. :D

At least this will give the politicians something to hang future economic failure on.
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 18 April 2010, 12:35:21
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Well my folks rebooked but of course that was cancelled too. They have abandoned coming over just now. :(

I read that some jet planes have done some "test flights" over the UK. Brave souls methinks. Presumably they dismantle the engines afterwards to check for damage. :D

At least this will give the politicians something to hang future economic failure on.


Yes and apparently they are undertaking a few more.

With the aviation industry losing at least £130 million per day whilst the flight ban is on, I can just see commercial pressures coming to bear on the national air authorities to relax the lock down. ::) ::)

All the time there is a significant risk of aircraft flying into ash clouds they should resist these pressures, but I just wonder................!! ::) ::) 

 ;) ;)


Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: webby23 on 18 April 2010, 17:39:28
We are off to Warsaw to see the inlaws 2 weeks on Saturday, hope things clear by then.....

 ::)
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: Tony H on 18 April 2010, 21:31:09
As per post title, yes all over my rather mig  >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: Can you see the volcanic ash?
Post by: BigAl on 19 April 2010, 00:48:08
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I would not put my family on a plane at the moment ;)
You say that , but I'm faced with a 7 hour trip to Cumbernauld tomorrow to bring my kids back from their grandparents on Sunday, instead of picking them up at Gatwick this evening  ::) , On the plus side it gets me away from decorating for a couple of days ;D
FYI 422 miles out of a tank that required 64.75 Litres of petrol to fill it up again ? is that good for a nearly empty car ?