vulcanair spa
via g. pascoli, 7
80026 casoria (na) – italia
Tel +39 081 5918111
Fax +39 081 5918172 P.68 VARIANTS
info@vulcanair.com
www.vulcanair.com
SERVICE LETTER
No. 19
SUBJECT: VOLCANIC ASH AWARENESS
AIRCRAFT AFFECTED
All P.68 Aircraft Variants.
TO ALL OWNERS/OPERATORS:
The purpose of this Service Letter is to provide for information and recommendations on operations
when volcanic ash may be present and for subsequent maintenance actions to be performed after
flight.
Volcanic ash is potentially extremely hazardous: experience has shown that damage can occur to
aircraft surfaces, windshields and powerplants. Moreover aircraft systems as ventilation, hydraulic,
electronic and air data systems can also be contaminated.
It is emphasized that partial or total engine power loss events are major safety concerns.
Simultaneous power loss in both engines is an event that cannot be excluded.
Note: Insert a copy of this Service Letter in the applicable Aircraft Flight Manual.
LIMITATIONS
This Service Letter does not include specific advice and recommendation about engine. Refer to
OEM applicable documents.
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First Issue dated 28 April 2010 Page 1 of 5
Vulcanair S.p.A. Service Letter No. 19
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REFERENCES
[1]EUR Doc 019 ICAO - Volcanic ash contingency plan
[2]- Applicable Aircraft Maintenance Manual and supplements
[3]- Applicable Aircraft Flight Manual and supplements
[4] EASA SIB 2010- EASA SIB No: 2010-17 - Flight in Airspace with a low contamination
17 of Volcanic Ash
[5] FAA SAIB NE- FAA SAIB No: NE-10-28 - Turbine Engine Operation in Volcanic Ash
10-28 Airspace
ICAO EUR DOC 019
In accordance with ref. [1] the European airspace, in connection with volcanic activities, has been
differentiate in three (3) different zones:
Zone 1) Limited No-Fly Zone:
this area is a “no fly zone” (i.e. intentional flight is forbidden), it includes volcanic
fallout and it is notified by NOTAM.
Zone 2) Potential Contamination Zone:
this area is the contaminated area outside the zone 1 and it is notified by SIGMET.
Generally specific requisites and procedures are required to fly in this area.
Zone 3) Non-Contaminated Airspace:
this area is free of Volcanic Ash Contamination.
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First Issue dated 28 April 2010 Page 2 of 5
Vulcanair S.p.A. Service Letter No. 19
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VOLCANIC ASH EFFECTS ON AIRCRAFT
Volcanic ash are highly abrasive particles that may damage aircraft components, particularly
forward facing surface of external parts and engine components. They are made of sharp rock
fragments that will easily erode plastic, metal and even glass pieces.
Aircraft encountering ash in flight (High Density volcanic ash conditions) may suffer extensive
damages.
In some cases, all the following parts were removed and replaced, if they were sand blasted:
• Windshields
• Forward cabin fuselage
• Navigation and landing lights cover
• Wing, stabilizer and fin leading edges
• Pitot and static probes.
WARNING
It is emphasized that partial or total engine power loss
events are major safety concerns.
Simultaneous power loss in both engines is an event that
cannot be excluded.
Refer to OEM applicable documents.
Extension of damages is function of density ash and time in flight.
In Low Density Volcanic Ash conditions it is no possible to exclude damages.
No service experience results are available at the moment, based on Best Engineering Judgement
and taking into account the Operational Recommendations described in the following, it is possible
to assume that the extension of the above listed damages is limited flying in Airspace with a Low
Density of Volcanic Ash.
Note that Low Density of Volcanic Ash may not be detected by the crew. Presence of the following
elements can help to recognize a volcanic ash cloud encounter:
• Acrid odor similar to electrical smoke
• Rapid onset of engine problems
• St. Elmo’s fire
• Dust and smell in the cockpit
• Airspeed fluctuation
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First Issue dated 28 April 2010 Page 3 of 5
Vulcanair S.p.A. Service Letter No. 19
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OPERATIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
In this paragraph it is assumed intentional flight in Airspace with a Low Density of Volcanic Ash.
Before each intentional flight in Airspace with a Low Density of Volcanic Ash, pay particular
attention to the following issues:
a) Time in Flight may be limited by National Airworthiness Authority
b) Consider OEI ceiling for route
c) Meteorological Conditions may be a critical issue in safety risk management.
On Ground before flight
Operation from or to airports contaminated with volcanic ash should be avoided, if possible.
In the event the volcanic ash exposure be not avoidable, the following recommendations and
procedures should be applied:
a) Whenever an aircraft is planned to stay over at an airport contaminated with volcanic ash,
engine inlet covers as well as other protective covers and plugs should be installed.
b) Clean the aircraft before departure.
c) Consider the runway as wet or for takeoff / landing performance calculation.
d) Avoid high speed turns on ground during taxiing.
e) Provide emergency oxygen available for flight even if altitude during flight will be kept
below 10000ft (portable equipment).
Pay particular attention to the following issues:
a) Ash layer may contaminate the lubricated parts, penetrate the seals or enter the engines gas
path, air conditioning/ventilation system, air data probes, and other orifices.
b) Braking efficiency may be degraded by the layer of ash on the runways.
In Flight
The following general recommendations should be applied:
a) High power settings increase the risk of damages, therefore decrease airspeed if conditions
permit.
b) Don crew oxygen masks.
c) Monitor engine parameters and airspeed for abnormal indications.
d) A precautionary landing should be made as soon as possible, if one engine has been
adversely affected. Precautionary landing is also recommended in case of other damages.
Pay particular attention to the following issues:
a) Observation of volcanic ash cloud encountered in flight should be reported by immediate
radio transmission.
b) Low Density of Volcanic Ash may not be detected by the crew.
c) Crew should be aware that volcanic ash may render airspeed indications unreliable.
d) Crew should be aware that volcanic ash clouds may have an extension over hundred nautical
miles.
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First Issue dated 28 April 2010 Page 4 of 5
Vulcanair S.p.A. Service Letter No. 19
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MAINTENANCE
The following listed maintenance actions must be performed after flight in Airspace with a Low
Density of Volcanic Ash. Reference for details are reported in the applicable Aircraft Maintenance
Manual.
After Each Flight
a) Visual Inspection of Wing, Horizontal and Vertical Tail Leading edges.
b) Visual Inspection of Fuselage Nose.
c) Visual Inspection of Windshield.
d) Visual Inspection of Propellers and Spinners.
e) Visual Inspection of Engine Cowlings and Engine Air Inlets.
f) Visual Inspection of Pitot and Static Ports.
g) Clean Engine Air Filters (Induction system).
After Visual Inspection report any findings and, if damages are found, repair as appropriate.
After 3FH in Low Density Area
a) Clean Pitot lines.
b) Clean Static lines.
c) Check Pitot lines for leaks.
d) Check Static system for leaks.
e) Check air filter of Vacuum system, if air filter must be replaced clean vacuum lines.
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First Issue dated 28 April 2010 Page 5 of 5
