IVATF/1-IP/24 29/7/10

INTERNATIONAL VOLCANIC ASH TASK FORCE (IVATF)

FIRST MEETING

Montréal, 27 to 30 July 2010

Agenda Item 9: Any other business

THE NEW ZEALAND VOLCANIC ASH ADVISORY SYSTEM

(Presented by New Zealand)

SUMMARY This paper describes the background, purpose, functions and responsibilities in the New Zealand Volcanic Ash Advisory System.

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) recognizes the New Zealand civil aviation industry’s ability to manage its operations in proximity to volcanic ash with the aid of accepted civil aviation procedures and information flow described in this paper. The Volcanic Ash Advisory System (NZVAAS) is primarily provided through the interactions of aircraft operators, Airways Corporation of New Zealand (Airways – the ATM provider) and Meteorological Service of New Zealand (MetService). There is also important ground based volcanic information input from the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GNS – volcano observatory).

1.2 The CAA does not take any part in the provision of operational volcanic ash information; however, it does continue to promote awareness of the NZVAAS and an understanding of the volcanic ash threat to civil aviation in New Zealand.

2. DEVELOPMENT BACKGROUND

2.1 The volcanic activity of Mt Ruapehu had a significant impact on civil aviation in New Zealand during 1995 and 1996. Many flights were cancelled and many more diverted or re-routed. These episodes were the first time volcanic ash has impacted on modern aviation in New Zealand.

IVATF/1-IP/24

Appendix -- 2 -

New Zealand has a number of active volcanoes on or near the mainland and a number of volcanoes within its IAVW area of obligation.

2.2 The CAA operated a special Volcanic Ash Watch Office throughout the 1995/6 periods of volcanic activity at Mt Ruapehu. The Office’s prime task was to manage volcanic ash affected airspace, restricted and danger areas, through the issue of NOTAMs. This was a very expensive way of operating for the New Zealand CAA and the aviation community.

2.3 As a result a CAA and airline industry fact-finding team went to North America in July/August 1996 where it sought advice on better ways of operating/controlling aircraft near volcanic ash with minimum disruption.

2.4 Discussion with volcanoloigists and operators made it clear that there was widely acceptance that there was an increasing risk to aviation worldwide from the ejection of volcanic ash into the atmosphere.

2.5 As a result of the fact-finding mission, the way that ash affected airspace was managed and the type and volume of information available on that airspace was reviewed in New Zealand. The main issues to safely allow civil aviation to continue in proximity to volcanic ash were; ownership of the advisory system, improving alerts, improved dispersion prediction, operational communication and on- going education.

2.6 Work has continued since in New Zealand to address these issues including: awareness promotion; incorporation by airlines of procedures to routinely report volcanic and ash activity using the standard VAR forms and procedures; improved ground based monitoring of volcanoes and implemention of alert paging systems linked to seismic monitoring equipment by GNS; MetService has reviewed and strengthened its production of volcanic ash SIGMETs and its use of ash trajectory and dispersion models and Airways set up a system to manage alternative routes affected by volcanic ash and implemented a CAA defined set of standard, ready to use, Volcanic Hazard Area NOTAM.

2.7 The NZ VAAS system is tested regularly both within national emergency system tests and discretely. It has been in existence now since 1997.

3. THE NZVAAS

3.1 The attached “Living with Ash” paper is intended to illustrate the relationships between the NZVAAS participating agencies and show their various obligations in providing enhanced volcanic ash information to the civil aviation industry. In doing so it sets out supplementary procedures to the accepted ICAO practices, in particular the International Airways Volcanic Watch (IAVW) and Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) obligations and responsibilities.

4. ACTION BY THE MEETING

4.1 The meeting is invited to note the content of this paper and attachment.

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Living with Volcanic Ash Episodes in Civil Aviation

The International Airways Volcano Watch (IAVW) and The New Zealand Volcanic Ash Advisory System (VAAS)

Peter Lechner Updated May 2009 Version 9

Living with Volcanic Ash Episodes in Civil Aviation – VAAS/IAVW

Table of Contents

0. Context ...... 1 1. Historical Background ...... 1 2. The New Zealand Volcanoes ...... 4 3. The New Zealand Volcanic Alert Level and International Colour Code Systems ...... 6 4. VAAS Participating Agency & Aircraft Operator’s Roles ...... 8 5. The International Airways Volcano Watch System (ICAO) ...... 14 6. References ...... 17

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0. Context 0.1 Events and experience show there is a clear and increasing risk to aviation world wide from the ejection of volcanic ash into the atmosphere. The magnitude of the risk has increased due to the enhanced technology of aircraft and engines, and the risk and consequence will continue to increase with the growth of air traffic. 0.2 The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) recognises the civil aviation community’s need and ability to manage operations in proximity to volcanic ash with the aid of the accepted and prescribed domestic and international civil aviation procedures and information systems contemplated in this paper – the New Zealand Volcanic Ash Advisory System (VAAS), which is a local enhancement of the ICAO International Airways Volcano Watch system (IAVW). The VAAS is provided primarily through the interactions of aircraft operators, Airways Corporation of New Zealand (Airways) and Meteorological Service of New Zealand (MetService), with important volcanic information input from the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GNS). 0.3 The CAA no longer takes any part in the provision of operational volcanic ash information. However, the CAA will continue to promote awareness of the VAAS, its place in international operational frameworks, and an understanding of the volcanic ash threat to civil aviation in New Zealand and the South Pacific. 0.4 The VAAS is New Zealand’s operational reflection of its aviation sector operational responsibilities and obligations under the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, administrated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The particular responsibilities and obligations of each State in this regard are set out in Annex 3 to the Convention, Meteorological Services for International Air Navigation. The VAAS is concerned primarily with New Zealand airspace. 0.5 This paper is intended to illustrate the relationships between the VAAS participating agencies, bring focus to their various obligations in providing enhanced volcanic ash information to the civil aviation industry, and provide information on the international context of volcanic ash warning systems for aviation.

1. Historical Background 1.1 The volcanic activity of Mt Ruapehu had significant impact on civil aviation in New Zealand during 1995 and 1996. Many flights were cancelled and many more diverted or re-routed. These episodes were the first impact of volcanic ash on modern aviation in New Zealand. 1.2 New Zealand has a number of active volcanoes on or near the mainland and a number of volcanoes within its area of obligation. Since 1996 there have been other volcanic episodes in New Zealand and offshore in the Kermadec Islands and the South Pacific that have had some effect on civil aviation operations. 1.3 The CAA operated a special Volcanic Ash Watch Office throughout the 1995/6 periods of volcanic activity at Mt Ruapehu. The Watch Office’s prime task was to manage volcanic ash affected airspace, restricted and danger areas through the issue of NOTAM. However, this approach proved costly to both the CAA and airlines and was not as effective as required.

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1.4 As a result of the Watch Office experience, a CAA and airline fact finding team travelled to North America in July/August 1996 where it sought advice on ways of operating aircraft near volcanic ash with minimum disruption. 1.5 With regard to the recommendations of the fact finding team's report, the way that ash affected airspace was managed and the type and volume of information available on that airspace was reviewed by the CAA. There were 6 main issues to be addressed in order to safely allow civil aviation to continue in proximity to volcanic ash: (a) ownership of the volcanic ash hazards advisory system, (b) improved alerts and observations of volcanic eruptions, (c) improved tracking and drift prediction of volcanic ash, (d) appropriate communications systems and information flow, (e) pragmatic management of air space, and (f) education on volcanic ash and its effects. 1.6 In the interceding period, significant work was undertaken to address these issues complementing the resulting introduction of the VAAS in New Zealand: (a) Standard International Civil Aviation organisation (ICAO) Volcanic Activity Report (VAR) forms were distributed to airlines, awareness promotion articles and posters have been printed and distributed by the CAA (refer http://www.caa.govt.nz). (b) Most airlines have now incorporated procedures to routinely report volcanic and ash activity using the VAR forms and procedures for aircraft operation near ash. (c) GNS implemented the GeoNet project (refer http://www.geonet.org.nz) on behalf for the Earthquake Commision (EQC) to monitor the active volcanoes in New Zealand. This feeds important ground based observation information into the aviation system. (d) The CAA now designates Volcanic Hazard Zones (NZVxxx) around those volcanoes that are known to be Volcanic Alert Level 1 or higher (refer AIP ENR 5.3). There are four permanent Volcanic Hazard Zones. (e) Airways Corporation has set up a system to notify operators which routes and procedures will be affected by each level of volcanic activity. VFR or IFR aircraft that require an ATC clearance to operate within the area of concern will not knowingly be granted a clearance without a specific request from the pilot. (f) Airways Corporation has also set up a set of standard, ready to use, NOTAM to notify a change to the alert status (and therefore lateral and vertical dimensions) of designated NZVxxx in New Zealand airspace. (g) MetService has strengthened its production of Volcanic Ash Advisories (VAA), volcanic ash SIGMETs and its use of ash trajectory models and provision of other supporting information. (h) A series of background briefings on volcanoes and ash for airline operators and other interested parties have been held from time to time. MetService and GNS regulary hold collaborative workshops and an annual system review meeting is held each year attended by CAA, MetService, GNS, Airways and airline representatives.

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1.7 Work continues to be carried out internationally by a number of agencies and universities on the remote detection and evaluation of volcanic ash clouds as well as the seismic and remote detection of eruptions and other events. 1.8 It is now accepted by the international aviation community that success in reducing the disruptive effects of ash to aviation is determined by information flow on the eruptions and the communication of relevant information to all interested parties. 1.9 This paper contemplates the three most risky volcanoes in New Zealand; Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and White Island and, in so doing, any other volcano in New Zealand’s area of responsibility that may pose a threat in the future.

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2. The New Zealand Volcanoes

2.1 New Zealand Volcanoes 2.1.1 New Zealand has a number of active volcanoes, each with its own eruptive characteristics. Scientific study indicates that the majority must be considered as dormant, rather than extinct, and will produce eruptions at some indeterminate time in the future. Prior to any eruption, physical precursors may be identifiable; these may develop over time frames of days (and possibly only hours) for the basaltic sites, over months for andesitic sites, and over years for the rhyolitic sites. Such precursors provide the basis for the formulation and issue of warning information. 2.1.2 A volcanic eruption will produce a number of hazards, some of which may make their effects felt at distances of hundreds of kilometres, especially ash. In this and other respects, volcanic planning differs from that undertaken for most other ground level natural hazards. A volcanic event may build up over weeks to years and be relatively difficult to predict in its probable course and timing. However, once volcanic ash is ejected into the atmosphere it can be tracked and its course predicted using conventional meteorological methods and dispersion models. Expected ashfall can also be modelled. 2.1.3 There is therefore a need for flexibility when undertaking volcanic planning and this extends to the areas of aviation. How these issues are managed can depend upon the known characteristics of each volcano, the amount of ash ejected and the prevailing conditions at the time of, or during, the event. 2.1.4 The volcanoes in New Zealand can easily be classed as those that are frequently active and those that are not. The cone volcanoes Ruapehu, White Island and Ngauruhoe are classified as frequently active, as is Raoul Island in the Kermadecs. There are a large variety of hazards associated with volcanoes but it is volcanic ash that has the greatest impact on aviation, affecting airspace and airports. 2.1.5 The Volcanic Hazard Zone for each volcano is assigned an identifier, NZVxxx, under the New Zealand airspace management system. The designator is assigned by the CAA when the particular volcano moves from a historically quiescent state. The assignation of the designator is permanent.

2.2 Ruapehu (S 39 17 22.4 E 175 33 45.6) NZV 314 Ruapehu is a very active andesite volcano with a single historically active vent, usually occupied by a hot acid lake. The presence of the crater lake, summit snow and ice fields, creates a major lahar risk in valleys draining from the summit. When the lake is not present, the volcano can produce ash eruptions. Some form of eruptive activity occurs every 5-10 years.

2.3 Ngauruhoe (S 39 09 27.8, E 175 38 04.2) NZV 313 Ngauruhoe is the youngest cone on Tongariro and has grown over the last 2500 years. Historically it has been New Zealand's most active volcano. When erupting, it typically produces ash columns and lava flows.

2.4 White Island (S 37 31 10.9, E 177 10 44.5) NZV 215 An active andesite volcano off the Bay of Plenty coast, it was New Zealand's most active volcano from 1977 to 2000, producing numerous small explosive ash eruptions. Significant risks are restricted to the island and it is rare for ash to reach the mainland. The relative eastward setting and low elevation reduce, but do not eliminate the potential for hazardous impact on aviation.

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2.5 Raoul Island (S 29 16 00.0, W 177 55 00.0) NZV 010 The northernmost known volcanic centre in the Kermadecs is Raoul Island, the summit of a large caldera structure. Major eruptions have taken place in 1814, 1870 and 1964 producing ash columns. A minor eruption took place in 2006. A major eruption would pose significant risks to international air navigation.

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3. The New Zealand Volcanic Alert Level and International Colour Code Systems

3.1 Activity Levels 3.1.1 Ongoing volcano surveillance by the GeoNet project (GNS) enables the background or normal status of a volcano or volcanic field to be determined. Variations and/or departures of monitored parameters may indicate a change of status and the onset of an eruptive episode. The status of a volcano at any time is defined by an assigned Volcanic Alert Level (VAL) and an Aviation Colour Code. The Volcanic Alert Level system is defined in the guidelines to the National Civil Defence Plan, while the Aviation Colour Code is defined in ICAO documents. 3.1.2 Volcanic Alert Levels are based on a 6-level system, with each level defining a change of status at the volcano or field. The lowest level (dormancy) is signified by ‘0’ and the highest (large hazardous eruption) by ‘5’. The scale or size of an event will vary from volcano to volcano, i.e - a Level ‘3’ event at Ruapehu may be different from a Level ‘3’ at Ngauruhoe. The VAL is issued by GNS and is an important trigger in the issue of NOTAM. 3.1.3 Aviation colour codes are based on four colours and are intended for quick reference only in the international civil aviation community and are part of the ICAO International Airways Volcano Watch system (IAVW). The Aviation Colour Code reflects conditions at or near a volcano and are not intended to pertain to hazards posed at a distance or downwind by the drifting ash. The latter information will be contained in SIGMET and VAA. The Aviation Colour Code is issued by GNS for those volcanoes within New Zealand territory. For volcanoes outside New Zealand but within the Wellington VAAC area of responsibility the colour code will only be included if provided by the appropriate State volcano observatory or authority. The colour code is for aviation information only and does not determine any action or obligation in the New Zealand civil aviation system. 3.1.4 Where information from the GeoNet (GNS) volcano surveillance programme indicates a change in a volcano’s status (either up or down), GNS will adjust the Volcanic Alert Level and Aviation Colour Code by issuing a Volcano Alert Bulletin. 3.1.5 In the case of a volcano in the ‘re-awakening’ category, a move from Level ‘0’ to Level ‘1’ does not necessarily signal imminent volcanic activity. Historically, seismic and deformation episodes have occurred at volcanoes like Taupo, Okataina, and Raoul Island, which would have resulted in an adjustment to a Level ‘1’ alert with no accompanying eruption threat. Similar episodes leading to Level ‘1’ alerts at volcanoes in the ‘re-awakening’ category may be expected every 10-50 years. The Aviation Colour Code will be set as is appropriate during the unrest. 3.1.6 The Volcanic Alert Levels act an important trigger for the issue of Civil Defence warnings in the form of a Volcanic Information Notice. More importantly, for the civil aviation community a change in the Volcanic Alert Level will trigger the immediate generation or change of a NOTAM on aVolcanic Hazard Zone (NZV). 3.1.7 The movement from Volcanic Alert Level 0 to Volcanic Alert Level 1 at any New Zealand volcano, notified by GNS and not already having an established NZV designator, will trigger the establishment of a new NZV by the CAA.

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3.1.8 The Volcanic Alert Level System

FREQUENTLY ACTIVE CONE VOLCANIC REAWAKENING VOLCANOES VOLCANOES ALERT LEVEL White Island, Tongariro -Ngauruhoe, Ruapehu, Northland, Auckland, Mayor Island, Rotorua, Okataina, Kermadecs Taupo, Egmont/Taranaki Volcano Status Indicative Indicative Phenomena Volcano Status Phenomena Usual dormant or Typical background surface 0 Typical background surface Usual dormant or quiescent state. activity; seismicity, activity; seismicity, quiescent state. deformation and heat flow deformation and heat flow at low levels. at low levels. Signs of volcano Departure from typical 1 Apparent seismic, geodetic, Initial signs of possible unrest. background surface activity. thermal or other unrest volcano unrest. No indicators eruption threat. Minor eruptive Onset of eruptive activity, 2 Increase in number or Confirmation of volcano activity. accompanied by changes to intensity of unrest unrest. Eruption threat. monitored indicators. indicators (seismicity, deformation, heat flow etc.). Significant local Increased vigour of ongoing 3 Minor eruptions. High Minor eruptions eruption in activity and monitored increasing trends of unrest commenced. Real progress. indicators. indicators, significant possibility of hazardous effects on volcano and eruptions. possibly beyond. Hazardous local Significant change to 4 Eruption of new magma. Hazardous local eruption eruption in ongoing activity and Sustained high levels of in progress. Large scale progress. monitoring indicators. unrest indicators, significant eruption now possible. Effects beyond volcano. effects beyond volcano. Large hazardous Destruction with major 5 Destruction with major Large hazardous volcanic eruption in damage beyond volcano. damage beyond active eruption in progress. progress. Significant risk over wider volcano. Significant risk areas. over wider areas.

3.1.9 ICAO Aviation Volcano Level - Colour Code

ICAO Colour code Status of activity of volcano Volcano is in normal, non-eruptive state. or, after a change from a higher alert level: Volcanic GREEN activity considered to have ceased, and volcano reverted to its normal, non-eruptive state. Volcano is experiencing signs of elevated unrest above known background levels. or, after a YELLOW change from higher alert level: Volcanic activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase. Volcano is exhibiting heightened unrest with increased likelihood of eruption. ORANGE or, Volcanic eruption is underway with no or minor ash emission [specify ash-plume height if possible]. Eruption is forecasted to be imminent with significant emission of ash into the atmosphere RED likely. or, Eruption is underway with significant emission of ash into the atmosphere [specify ash-plume height if possible].

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4. VAAS Participating Agency & Aircraft Operator’s Roles

4.1 Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand 4.1.1 Responsibility The CAA is responsible for ensuring a satisfactory means exists whereby civil aviation aircraft operations can be safely carried out near volcanic ash. The CAA is not responsible for providing any service to airlines to directly assist them with such operations. 4.1.2 Role a) Review the effectiveness of the volcanic ash information system from time to time. b) Ensure Airways, MetService and GNS have any delegations or permissions required under the Civil Aviation Act 1990 to carry out their roles. c) Publish, in the appropriate medium a clear statement of how the volcanic ash information system will work in New Zealand (this document). d) Continue to publish any appropriate educational or technical information on aircraft operation in or near volcanic ash, the volcanic situation in New Zealand or any other relevant material. e) Establish any new Volcanic Hazard Zones (NZV) that may be needed to cover volcanoes other than those already established and designated.

4.2 Meteorological Service of New Zealand Ltd (MetService) 4.2.1 Responsibility To provide civil aviation with timely Volcanic Ash Advisories (VAAs) and Volcanic Ash SIGMETs and any other volcanic activity or ash information packages required pursuant to New Zealand’s ICAO obligations. To maintain volcanic NOTAMs. 4.2.2 Role a) Maintain a watch over actual and possible volcanic events through the use of satellite and land based meteorological information systems and the use of atmospheric trajectory and dispersion models. b) Notify GNS by telephone first then by facsimile of any possible eruption detected in New Zealand not already notified by GNS. c) Use suitable atmospheric trajectory and dispersion models to identify the probable path of ejected ash notified by GNS, identified by MetService itself or notified by any other person or organisation. d) Use all appropriate internal and external procedures to generate timely VAAs and SIGMETs to notify civil aviation of the present and likely future position of volcanic ash in New Zealand’s area of responsibility. e) Maintain a VAA and Volcanic SIGMET watch and update the VAA and SIGMET as frequently as possible and within the ICAO guide-lines. f) Provide any extra information such as satellite imagery, ash trajectory information or other graphics that may be requested by civil aircraft operators.

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g) Provide information to GNS such as wind profile data or independent observation information that may be appropriate. h) When notified by GNS of a change in the official activity level (Volcanic Alert Levels) immediately request Airways to issue the appropriate NOTAM by AFTN message to NZCHYNYX. All such NOTAM should be issued with a 1 month validity to ensure the systematic management of NOTAM currency. i) Maintain the currency of any NOTAM relating to particular volcanoes in liaison with Airways (Airways will notify MetService 24 hours before the expiry of a given NOTAM and request an update or confirmation of cancellation). j) Ensure the Airways NOTAM Office is notified (according to CAR Part 175.59) as to who (by name or position) in MetService are authorised to request volcanic ash NOTAM are raised. k) Maintain a watch on technological developments in the area of remote volcanic eruption detection and ash trajectory modelling and apply any advances in this area to its operations. l) Example of a SIGMET for Volcanic Ash supplied bythe Wellington MWO:

WSPS21 NZKL 182119 NZZO SIGMET 35 VALID 182119/190119 NZKL- NZZO AUCKLAND OCEANIC FIR VA ERUPTION HUNGA TONGA-HUNGA HAAPAI LOC S2034 W17523 VA CLD OBS AT 2100Z TO FL170 MOVE NE 05KT FCST 0119Z VA CLD APRX SFC/FL200 S2015 W17520 - S1900 W17400 - S1830 W17300 - S1900 W17200 - S2000 W17300 - S2040 W17430 m) Example of a Volcanic Ash Advisory (VAA) supplied bythe Wellington MWO:

FVPS01 NZKL 182220 VA ADVISORY DTG: 20090318/2220Z VAAC: WELLINGTON VOLCANO: HUNGA TONGA-HUNGA HA'APAI 403-05 PSN: S2034 W17523 AREA: TONGA SUMMIT ELEV: 149M ADVISORY NR: 2009/5 INFO SOURCE: OBS FM TONGA MET AVIATION COLOUR CODE: RED ERUPTION DETAILS: PLUME OBS TO FL170 OBS VA DTG: 18/2100Z OBS VA CLD: SFC/FL170 S2030 W17540 - S2000 W17520 - S1930 W17530 - S2020 W17520 FCST VA CLD+6HR 19/0300Z SFC/FL170 S2030 W17540 - S1920 W17520 - S1930 W17400 - S2030 W17400 FL170/600 NO VA EXP FCST VA CLD+12HR: 19/0900Z SFC/FL170 S2030 W17540 - S1900 W17400 - S1900 W17300 - S2020 W17300 FL170/600 NO VA EXP FCST VA CLD+18HR: 19/1500Z SFC/FL170 S2030 W17540 - S1840 W17400 - S1820 W17140 - S2100 W17140 FL170/600 NO VA EXP RMK: FURTHER FORECAST TO FOLLOW NXT ADVISORY: NO LATER THAN 20090319/0420Z

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4.3 Airways Corporation of New Zealand Ltd (Airways) 4.3.1 Responsibility To provide to civil aviation the NOTAM service, access to volcanic SIGMET and appropriate VAR information pursuant to New Zealand’s ICAO obligations. To collect, from aircraft, VAR information and disseminate this information immediately to MetService, GNS and accessible aircraft operators. 4.3.2 Role a) Ensure that meteorological reports passed to MetService and civil aviation contain appropriate information on the presence (or not as the case may be during a volcanic episode) of volcanic ash or other volcanic phenomena. This may require specialised training. b) Ensure that all AIREPs containing information on volcanic ash and Volcanic Activity Reports (VARs) received from aircraft are passed with utmost urgency to MetService and any other addressees (airlines, CAA, GNS etc) on the VAR distribution list using the AFTN and other means as may be appropriate. It is anticipated that flight crews will not forward duplicate VARs to those already forwarded from other aircraft. If at all possible transmit VAR information by facsimile or other means to GNS and those major operators who do not have access to the AFTN or the internet. c) Ensure that updated Volcanic SIGMET provided by MetService are expeditiously passed to aircraft in flight, especially those operating in the vicinity of any ash (ICAO requirement). d) Upon the receipt of a correctly authorised notification from MetService that the activity level (Volcanic Alert Levels) of one of the volcanoes contemplated in this paper (or any other volcano for which a new VHZxxx has been classified by CAA) has been changed1, immediately issue the appropriate NOTAM and send a copy to MetService at NZKLYMYX. • The content of the NOTAM is dependent on the volcano activity level as set out below. • The validity period should be approximately 1 month • The layout of the NOTAM should follow internationally prescribed requirements (ICAO).

1 A volcano that has not had activity in the last few decades will technically have a Volcano Alert Level of zero and therefore have no associated Volcanic Hazard Zone designator (NZVxxx). Once a volcano has been active it will permamnently retain its associated NZV designator.

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Volcanic Alert Levels Volcanic Alert Level Radius from Vent (nm) Upper Limit

RUAPEHU Volcanic Hazard Zone (NZV 314) see note2 0 3 12,200ft AMSL 1 3 12,200ft AMSL 2 8 FL 150 3 16 FL 330 4 27 FL 480 5 >50 unlimited

NGAURUHOE Volcanic Hazard Zone (NZV 313) 0 3 10,500ft AMSL 1 3 10,500ft AMSL 2 8 FL 150 3 16 FL 330 4 27 FL 480 5 >50 unlimited

WHITE ISLAND Volcanic Hazard Zone (NZV 211) 0 3 4,500ft AMSL 1 3 4,500ft AMSL 2 8 FL 150 3 16 FL 330 4 27 FL 480 5 >50 unlimited

RAOUL ISLAND Volcanic Hazard Zone (NZV 010) 0 3 4,500ft AMSL 1 3 4,500ft AMSL 2 8 FL 150 3 16 FL 330 4 27 FL 480 5 >50 unlimited

ANY OTHER NZ VOLCANO Volcanic Hazard Zone (NZVxxx) 0 3 3000 ft above top of vent 1 3 3000 ft above top of vent 2 8 FL 150 3 16 FL 330 4 27 FL 480 5 >50 unlimited

2 At the start of an eruptive episode at Ruapehu, the presence of the Crater Lake will suppress the formation of significant ash clouds, as the eruption develops and the lake is removed, ash clouds will become more common.

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NOTAM example - given a change to volcanic activity from VAL 1-2 at Ruapehu and with regard to CAA Part 71 where a Volcanic Hazard Zone is designated (NZV314 in this case);

Bnnnn/09 NOTAMN A) NZZC B) yymmddhhmm C) yymmddhhmm EST E) VOLCANIC HAZARD ZONE NZV314 MT RUAPEHU IS REDEFINED AS FLW DUE TO INCREASED/DECREASED VOLCANIC ACT: ALL THAT AIRSPACE BOUNDED BY A CIRCLE OF RADIUS 8NM CENTRED ON S391722.4 E1753345.6 MT RUAPEHU PILOTS ARE REQ TO REP LOCATION OF VA AND ANY VOLCANIC ACT OBS PRESCRIBED PURSUANT TO CIVIL AVIATION RULE PART 71 UNDER A DELEGATED AUTHORITY ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION F) SFC G) FL150 e) Notify MetService, if possible, before the expiry of a given NOTAM, and request an update or confirmation of cancellation. f) Advise operators immediately of the routes and procedures affected by a NZV including VAL 5 by way of standard NOTAM texts. Notification of what routes and procedures are affected by volcanic activity at a location where no NZV exists will not be as immediate because a special evaluation will have to take place. ATC will not issue a clearance to operate in an NZV at night, and by day will issue a clearance to operate in a NZV only when requested by a pilot.

4.4 Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GNS)

4.4.1 Responsibility To keep MetService informed as to any volcanic activity taking place in New Zealand.

4.4.2 Role a) Maintain monitoring of volcanoes in New Zealand territory, particularly Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and White Island, on a 24-hour basis. This should encompass the ability to confirm or deny any reported or suspected ash eruption. b) Maintain awareness as able of volcanic activity in the Volcanic Activity Advisory Centre (VAAC) area of responsibility. c) Notify MetService by facsimile (and by telephone if appropriate) of any change in assessed official activity level (ie; Volcanic Alert Levels and/or Aviation Colour Codes) immediately that decision has been made. d) Notify MetService by facsimile (and by telephone if appropriate) should the risk assessment of any volcano change positively or negatively (ie; Volcanic Alert Bulletin). e) Advise MetService by telephone then by facsimile of any new eruption information as it becomes available. This includes information on; i. eruption time and expected activity period, ii. the eruption type if possible (steam, gas, ash), and iii. any other advice as may be requested from time to time.

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4.5 Aircraft Operators 4.5.1 Responsibility To ensure their aircraft do not operate in volcanic ash. To provide Volcanic Activity Reports (VARs) when appropriate. 4.5.2 Role a) Ensure procedures are incorporated in operations manuals for the reporting of volcanic events and ash, including the generation and distribution of these reports (VARs) following the prescribed international guidelines (ICAO). b) Ensure that aircrew are fully aware of their civil aviation regulatory obligations insofar as volcanic Conditional areas (NOTAM) are concerned. c) Ensure that aircrew have adequate background knowledge of the atmospheric and airframe effects of volcanic events especially in the context of the New Zealand volcanic situation. d) Ensure procedures are incorporated in operations manuals for the safe operation of aircraft near areas of volcanic ash. e) Ensure Airways is aware of their particular ash episode re-route preferences.

4.6 VAAS Role and Information Schematic

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5. The International Airways Volcano Watch System (ICAO) 5.1 The IAVW is an operational programme set up by ICAO and binding on all member States. The IAVW is made up of two main components: (a) Observing component - this comprises observing sources based on existing international ground-based networks, global satellite detection and in-flight air reports, in order to observe/detect volcanic eruptions/ash cloud and pass the information quickly to appropriate Area Control Centres (ACC), Meteorological Watch Offices (MWO) and Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres (VAACs). (b) Warning component - this provides the necessary warnings to aircraft through SIGMETs issued by MWOs, and air route closures/diversionary instructions in NOTAMs (or ASHTAMs) issued by ACCs through AIS units (international NOTAM offices). The SIGMETs and NOTAMs (or ASHTAMs) are based on advisory information supplied by nine designated Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres (VAAC) whose areas of responsibility cover all the major air traffic flows. 5.2 The designated VAACs in the IAVW system are: Anchorage, Buenos Aires, Darwin, London, Montreal, Tokyo, Toulouse, Washington and Wellington. Note that Wellington is also the MWO for the New Zealand and Auckland Oceanic flight information regions (FIRs). 5.3 In any one week, there are usually at least two or three volcanoes erupting somewhere around the globe to trigger the IAVW. 5.4 The VAAC areas of responsibility are shown in the following map. Note that the hatched area between the Wellington VAAC Region and the Buenos Aires VAAC Region is unofficially being covered by the Wellington VAAC. This will be formalised in due course in the ICAO documentation.

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5.5 IAVW Operating Schematic

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5.6 IAVW Regulatory Schematic

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6. References

ICAO documents: (a) Annex 3 -Meteorological Service for International Air Navigation, Chapters 3, 4, 7 and 9 and Appendices. (b) Handbook on the IAVW - Operational Procedures and Contact List (Doc 9766) http://www.icao.int/icaonet/dcs/9766/9766_cons_en.pdf (c) Manual on Volcanic Ash, Radioactive Material and Toxic Chemical Clouds (Doc 9691) http://www.icao.int/anb/iavwopsg/Doc9691.pdf

VAAC Web sites: (a) Anchorage: http://aawu.arh.noaa.gov/vaac.php (b) Buenos Aires: http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/OTH/AG/messages.html (c) Darwin: http://www.bom.gov.au/info/vaac (d) London: http://www.metoffice.com/aviation/vaac/index.html (e) Montreal: http://www.msc-smc.ec.gc.ca/cmc/eer/VAAC/index_e.html (f) Tokyo: http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/OTH/JP/messages.html (g) Toulouse: http://www.meteo.fr/aeroweb/info/vaac (h) Washington: http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/washington.html (i) Wellington: http://vaac.metservice.com/vaac/index.php

Web links: Civil Aviation Authority http://www.caa.govt.nz GNS Science http://www.gns.cri.nz Airways Corporation of NZ www.airways.co.nz AIP New Zealand http://www.aip.net.nz/ MetService http://www.metservice.com GeoNet project http://www.geonet.org.nz

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