Hawaii's Volcano Eruption 'An Exciting Thing' for Pilots

Volcanic ash clouds can foul aircraft engines, ruin aircraft exteriors and have hot, poisonous gasses that can be deadly for pilots.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 05:42 PM ET

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Mauna Loa began erupting November 27. [Credit: US. Geological Survey]

Key Takeaways:

Mauna Loa began erupting on November 27, prompting initial flight cancellations and an ashfall advisory that has since been canceled, with no current threats to people or property from lava flow.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are in place around the volcano for aviation safety, and pilots are strictly warned against flying through volcanic ash due to its extreme danger.
The FAA and USGS provide advisories and rely on pilot reports (PIREPs) to monitor and communicate critical safety information regarding volcanic activity.

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Volcanoes and Hawaii go hand in hand, as the island chain was formed by volcanic activity. The pilots who fly there gain a healthy respect for volcanoes, such as Mauna Loa, which is located on the south central part of the big island and is currently erupting.

The eruption began around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 27, when one of the fissures on the slope of Mauna Loa began throwing lava 200 feet into the air, according to HawaiiNewsNow.