Two new generation DA42 MPP (Multi Purpose Platform), equipped with Austro Engine’s AE300 (170 hp, 4 cylinder 2 liter piston engine), took off on the 29th of April in Wiener Neustadt to Virgina (USA). The pilots not only crossed the Atlantic, they also took the chance to have a very close look at the volcanic ash cloud.

“The ash cloud builds up rapidly, collapses and then builds up again. Such a dynamic could not be seen under common weather conditions”, says an impressed chief pilot Martin Scherrer. He was also asked by the Icelandic air traffic control centre for pictures from the volcano cloud. With these pictures the air traffic control centre is able to estimate a certain threat, as a new eruption is expected. As the airspace around the volcano is closed for instrumental flights, they flew around the volcano under visual flight rules.

Also, in close proximity to the volcanic ash cloud the Austro Engine piston engines worked reliably, the Diamond pilots couldn’t notice any malfunction.

Contact:
Anita Kohlweg, BA
Diamond Airborne Sensing GmbH
E-Mail: a.kohlweg@diamond-sensing.com