The Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Service and Supporting Research, in conjunction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
the FAA, NASA and other federal agencies, has released the “National Volcanic Ash Operations Plan for Aviation,” a 68-page document that details the procedures, actions and responsibilities of various agencies in the event of a volcanic eruption. Dangers to pilots include degraded engine performance, flameouts, loss of visibility, failure of critical navigational and operational instruments and potential loss of life, according to Steven Osterdahl, director of en route and oceanic operations in the FAA’s Western Service Area.