EUROPEAN and NORTH ATLANTIC VOLCANIC ASH EXERCISES STEERING GROUP (EUR/NAT VOLCEX/SG)
The EUR/NAT VOLCEX/SG has
been established by the EANPG COG Conclusion 41/11 (COG/41 meeting,
Bodø, 24 to 26 June 2008) and NAT SPG Conclusion 44/17 (NAT SPG/44
meeting 17 to 20 June 2008). The main task of the EUR/NAT VOLCEX/SG is
to ensure the continuation of regular volcanic ash exercises in the EUR
and NAT Regions.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
(as updated by EANPG COG/57 and NAT IMG/43 – Nov 2013)
Objective: Improve the response to volcanic
eruptions and volcanic ash contamination by the relevant national
supervisory authorities, service providers (ATS, AIS, ATFM, MET) and
airspace users (airlines) in the EUR and NAT Regions through organizing
regular volcanic ash exercises in accordance with the current Volcanic
Ash Contingency Plan – EUR and NAT Regions and the VOLCEX OPINS in order
to validate and continually improve the common volcanic ash procedures
for the EUR and NAT Regions.
Tasks:
- Co-ordinate the schedule for the exercises and their main
objectives and scenarios; ensuring that exercises cover those parts of
the EUR and NAT Regions that would likely be affected by volcanic ash.
Prepare a two year working plan of steering group meetings, planning
meetings, exercises, and debrief meetings.
Note: Planning and
debrief meetings are conducted in accordance to the European and North
Atlantic Volcanic Ash Exercises Operating Instructions (EUR/NAT VOLCEX
OPINS) as posted at "European and North Atlantic Volcanic Ash Exercises Steering Group (EUR/NAT VOLCEX/SG)"
- Each SG member is to represent a number of stakeholders,
in order to ensure that the interests of these entities are included in
the collective decision making, while keeping the number of SG entities
within limits.
- Based on the outcome of the VA exercises, propose (to
EANPG COG and NAT IMG) improvements to the common volcanic ash
contingency procedures for the EUR and NAT Regions.
- Report the results of its activities to the EANPG COG and
the NAT IMG on an annual basis. The group should also liaise with the
METG of EANPG and the NAT ATMG. Additionally, through the Secretary, the
group should liaise with the EUR (EAST) VOLCEX/SG of the EANPG COG.
Composition: Canada (incl.
VAAC Montréal), France (incl. VAAC Toulouse), Germany, Iceland
(Co-Rapporteur), Ireland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Russian Federation
(incl. MATMC), United Kingdom (Co-Rapporteur) (incl. VAAC London),
United States of America (incl. VAAC Washington), EUROCONTROL (incl.
CFMU), ICAO (Secretary) and IATA.
Attendance: One representative per State or organization
VOLCEX/SG meetings to be held back to back with planning and debrief meetings as appropriate.
As appropriate work to be done through correspondence.
