The Volcanic Ash Strategic Initiative Team coordinates the response to volcanic ash clouds that threaten commercial airspace. Because jet engines ingest ash and melt it into glass, causing catastrophic failure, this group works to improve ash detection, forecasting, and flight routing. They bridge the gap between meteorological agencies, airlines, and civil aviation authorities to minimize airspace closures.
Heard on the job
VAST has issued an advisory to reroute all trans-Pacific flights south of the Kamchatka plume.
Insider tip
Jet engines lack filters for volcanic ash, making avoidance the only strategy VAST can recommend.