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The Icelandic Transport Authority Frontpage

Icelandic Transport Authority

Flight rules near volcanic eruption

4th September 2024

Given the occasion, the Icelandic Transport Authority wants to reaffirm the rules that apply to drone flights and aircraft that are intended to ensure the separation of drones and other aircraft. It is essential that all parties follow the rules, both the specific rules for the eruption area and the general rules.

Drone near eruption

Drones

On August 29th 2024, a new prohibited area over the eruption site and the city of Grindavík, was published and prohibits drone flight over 60 meters above ground. A link to the specific area can be found here.

The general rules for drone flights valid can be found here and they are intended to ensure the separation of drones and other aircraft:

  • DO NOT fly a drone higher than 120 m above the ground.

  • Drones shall always give way to manned aircraft.

  • Drones shall generally not be flown beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

  • The operator of the drone is responsible for any damage that may result from its use.

  • For commercial drones, additional requirements are in place, for example regarding registration.

If violations are detected that may endanger safety, it may be necessary to take measures to impose significant restrictions or a ban on drone flights near the volcano.

Aircraft

Procedures have been defined due to Volcanic activity at Reykjanes peninsula in AIP SUP nr 11/2024. A restricted area named BIR4 has been established around the volcanic activity by NOTAM. Requirements for the area are a transponder and air-to-air communications on 131.800 MHZ inside the area.

Users must obey the altitude limitations of BIR4 which is between 2.500 feet and 1.500 feet. Above the is the approach area for Keflavik airport and below the area is a defined area for scientific drone operations with drones in the heavy category.

Pilots must be prepared for unexpected altitude deviations due to turbulence that occurs over the hot lava field.

Pilots must be aware of the possibility of volcanic ash in the area, tephra and sulfur dioxide SO2. Glass fibres from the eruption, known as Pele´s hair have been identified many miles from the eruption and those substances can possibly cause harm to engines.

Pilots are reminded of the Aeronautical Information Circular regarding Commercial Air Transport and volcanic ash (AIC A 07/2024) and AIC B 002/2020 regarding General Aviation in volcanic ash.

Priority for research flights

In the event of a volcanic eruption, there will be a need for the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management to conduct recurrent flights with experts and scientists to assess the situation. These flights will be given priority over other flights.

To ensure safety, an area will be defined as a dangerous or restricted area for the operation of aircraft and helicopters. Parallel to this a prohibited area for drones and aircraft will be defined while such scientific flights are conducted. A short time notice can be expected for such areas to be established and the geographical scope and time limit will depend on circumstances each time.