Because an aircraft does not meet the latest Western certification standards does not automatically render it unsafe. The venerable Fokker F27 would not meet current criteria, but most of us would not hesitate to fly in a well maintained and competently crewed example - sentimental people would probably even enjoy it! The Convair 580 that Chathams operate so successfully would most certainly not meet current standards and it is unlikely that the J-32 replacement would either.
I have a mate who has ferried several MA-60s from the Chinese factory to a couple of African destinations and he reckons it's OK, though hardly his favourite (he loves the old F27 to bits). He's also flown old-tech Russian aircraft and has no problem with their basic design either. The MA-60, Y-12 etc may not be the best that money can buy, but at the prices on offer, they are all that certain economic climates can support. I would still feel safer flying in one of these compared to something like a 40 year old Chieftain.
The problem is that impoverished nations are 'given' these things by the Chinese in exchange for political favours, and they have neither the money nor infrastructure to support any aircraft let alone a complex turboprop. Such countries are not known for high standards in anything - just look at the state of their public road transport vehicles or climb into the engine room of one of their harbour tugs to see neglect elevated to an art form. Money and a certain will is required to safely commit aviation. Give these people a brand new Boeing and they would find a way to break it.
Last edited by Mach E Avelli; 18th Jun 2014 at 00:24.