Volcano stops flights

[DaveReid]

"Volcanic dust over Channel, Continent cut off"  :-)

[viking9]

Send three and fourpence, we're going to a dance :o)

[bratters]

Latest Met Office volcanic dust forecast. Not encouraging.

http://metoffice.com/aviation/vaac/data/VAG_1271354037.png

[AirNav Support]

What is G-FBFI up to near dover, circling at low alitude across the channel, anyone know?

[Runway 31]

I have D-CALM d0228 of the German Environmental Research Council somewhere near me over Scotland at FL200, no positional data.

[bratters]

What is G-FBFI up to near dover, circling at low alitude across the channel, anyone know?

Isn't that Fabio Briatore of F1 and soccer fame? the guy who organised the F1 crash? If it's him, he's a bit of loose cannon.

[HeathrowCam - Support]

Bernie Ecclestone still own that G-FBFI ?

Maybe he is doing a few laps whilst it's quiet up there.

[bratters]

I have D-CALM d0228 of the German Environmental Research Council somewhere near me over Scotland at FL200, no positional data.

On the way to take a close look at the plume. They've got some balls in that airplane amd rather them than me. Just been talking about it on BBC news and apparently it's a very hazardous expedition indeed.

Good luck guys.

[HeathrowCam - Support]

Looks like G-FBFI is landing at EGKB.

[bratters]

Bernie Ecclestone still own that G-FBFI ?

Maybe he is doing a few laps whilst it's quiet up there.

Could be but I think the original registration FBFI was Fabio Bri F1.

Nofly now extended by NATS to 1300 tomorrow.

[AirNav Support]

G-FBFI has landed in Biggin Hill, it performed a very short base legg and landing according to the network more associated with low speed aircraft. Must have been a sight to see. Guess you can only do this now.

[Runway 31]

From NATS

The cloud of volcanic ash continues to cover much of the UK. Following a review of the latest Met Office information, NATS advises that restrictions will remain in place in UK controlled airspace until 1300 (UK time) tomorrow, Friday 16 April, at the earliest.

However, flights from Northern Ireland and the Western Isles of Scotland to and from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Prestwick may be allowed in the period from 0100 (UK time) to 1300 (UK time) tomorrow subject to individual co-ordination. North Atlantic traffic to and from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Prestwick and Belfast may also be allowed in the period.

We will review further Met Office information and at 0230 (UK time) tomorrow we will advise the arrangements that will be in place through to 1800 (UK time) tomorrow. However be aware that the situation cannot be said to be improving with any certainty as the forecast affected area appears to be closing in from east to west. We continue to work closely with airports, airlines, and the rest of Europe to understand and mitigate the implications of the volcanic eruption.

[ACW367]

G-FBFI has been re-registered G-CHAI and is operated by Farnborough company Hanger 8, but as we reuse Mode S codes in the UK, it has not been updated by many users.  Was squawking 7000 so was VFR throughout. 

It appears to have been trying to exit the UK at 5000ft, but I reckon it was turned back at the Belgian/Netherlands airspace boundary, so it returned to Biggin.

[jannuh]

Netherlands was closed at 1700 UTC, Belgium even before.
But Germany and N.E. France still open.

Had 5 arrivals in Düsseldorf last 15 min., is only 50 k.m. from me.

Had 2153 flights in Myflight untill now.

[Pinza]

Watched G-CHAI turning back over the Channel myself. (via network)

Cross with myself that my free 30 day trial of the excellent FastStone Capture (screen capture program) had just expired - since rectified (ie paid for - well worth it!) ...

Hit PrtSc button instead - and messily imported into other programs - hopefully I can attach jpg of said plane's route.

Chris