Volcanic ash in aircraft air-con concern

Aircraft throughout Europe may have to make emergency landings as a result of the residual effects of the volcanic ash, according to Leeds University lecturer, Stephen Wright.

The threat comes from the aircraft air-conditioning systems which could fail over the coming months as planes begin to ‘hoover up’ the additional  ash in the atmosphere.

‘These systems pressurise the cabin and warm the internal temperature using heat from the aircraft engines,’ explained Wright. ‘When they become clogged, they can overheat, forcing the pilot to shut the system down and make an unscheduled landing.’ 

Air conditioning systems are usually checked every 18 months due to the high levels of dirt they collect which can block the heat exchangers. Wright said that aircraft air con units will now be faced with a cumulative build-up of ash as well dirt which could ground the planes.

‘These units are buried in various parts of the aircraft,’ he said. ‘To get to them for maintenance requires several men and a serious number of hours. Not many people are going to have a complete unit, my worry is that if you get enough planes up there you’re not going to have enough spares.’