easyJet announce ash detection system
04.06.10
easyJet has unveiled a system that it says will allow airlines to safely fly around ash clouds. The system uses infra-red technology to allow pilots to see the damaging particles up to 62 miles ahead. The pilot can then change course and continue to fly safely. The new system has the support of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the body that decides whether it is safe to fly through ash or not.
The new system, called Airborne Volcanic Object Identifier and Detector (Avoid) will be tested by plane maker Airbus on behalf of easyJet within the next two months. It hopes to have the system in operation on 12 planes by the end of the year.
The CAA said it was happy an airline appeared to have found a technical solution, and, although it was not endorsing the product it would do what it could to help certification. easyJet chief executive, Andy Harrison, said: ‘This pioneering technology is the silver bullet that will make large-scale ash disruption history.’
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