Affiliations: [a] Department of Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics, Hellenic Air Force Academy, Dekelia AFB, Dekelia, Attica, Greece | [b] School of Physics, Atmospheric Modeling and Weather Forecasting Group, University of Athens, University Campus, Building V, Athens, Greece | [c] IAASARS, National Observatory of Athens, Penteli, Greece
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: T. Lekas, Department of Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics, Hellenic Air Force Academy, Dekelia AFB, Dekelia, Attica, Greece. E-mail: tlekas@hotmail.com
Abstract: Volcanic ash eruptions and mineral dust injection into the atmosphere are of particular importance to the aviation industry. Ash and dust affect almost any aspect of air operations, from airport facilities to cruise flight. This paper is focused on the advantage of using dust forecasting tools and the potential benefit for Air Traffic Management (ATM), flight safety and aircraft performance. It is suggested that state of the art Chemical Weather Prediction (CWP) model coupled with accurate dust cycle module could be a useful operational tool for more efficient Air Traffic Management and aircraft exploitation.
