Caution Urged for European Bizav Flights in Volcano's Wake

Business aircraft have been operating again throughout Europe for a week now-since April 20, when ash from Iceland's volcano subsided and authorities lifted widespread airspace closures. Those authorities emphasized, however, that operators must perform their own risk assessments before filing flight plans and that airspace closures and restrictions remain possible for as long as the volcano is active. Aircraft operators should confer with engine manufacturers regarding exposure to volcanic ash, as warranties might be invalidated by flying in current conditions and questions have been raised as to whether insurance policies would cover flights. A spokesman for maintenance cost-per-hour program provider JSSI said that damage to engines caused by "foreign materials," including volcanic ash, is not covered by its support policies.