Proflight Chief Executive arrested
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Proflight Chief Executive arrested
The Times of Zambia in a front page feature on 23 December 2005 reported that Anthony Irwin and another person had been arrested by Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission. The two have been charged with the theft of a PA18-150 Supercub belonging to the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) and money laundering. They are expected to appear in court in the near future. Tony Irwin is the Chief Executive of Proflight.
Tony Irwin was a pilot with Zambia Airways and founded Proflight about 10 years ago. A year ago Carl Irwin, founder of Zambeef and Tony’s brother, and Richard Calder from Zimbabwe joined Tony Irwin as investors in Proflight. This company has had its share of problems in the past. Its C206 flown by Jock Flyer went down three years ago and a year ago its Baron (at that time the only Proflight aircraft still operating along with a leased Chieftain) did a wheels-up at Jeki. These events were covered on Pprune. Proflight’s own Chieftain was in South Africa for nearly two years apparently due to engine problems and shortage of funds to correct it. Jock Flyer made an interesting post on this forum regarding Proflight’s maintenance.
Just last month Proflight gave presentations in different Zambian towns to announce an expansion of numbers of planes and of services commencing in January. It sounded like things had changed for the better and Proflight’s future looked good. This latest news item could hardly have come at a worse time!
Tony Irwin was a pilot with Zambia Airways and founded Proflight about 10 years ago. A year ago Carl Irwin, founder of Zambeef and Tony’s brother, and Richard Calder from Zimbabwe joined Tony Irwin as investors in Proflight. This company has had its share of problems in the past. Its C206 flown by Jock Flyer went down three years ago and a year ago its Baron (at that time the only Proflight aircraft still operating along with a leased Chieftain) did a wheels-up at Jeki. These events were covered on Pprune. Proflight’s own Chieftain was in South Africa for nearly two years apparently due to engine problems and shortage of funds to correct it. Jock Flyer made an interesting post on this forum regarding Proflight’s maintenance.
Just last month Proflight gave presentations in different Zambian towns to announce an expansion of numbers of planes and of services commencing in January. It sounded like things had changed for the better and Proflight’s future looked good. This latest news item could hardly have come at a worse time!
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Re: Proflight Chief Executive arrested
lusaka sheriff,
i did hear about that. pretty wild. i also heard proflight has recently started flying their jetstream32 from LUN-NLA-LUN recently...or is it a different aircraft? haven't seen/heard them before.
btw, do you fly in zambia privately or for some airline/charter? i would appreciate if you would pm me sometime. i just got in from south africa, with my PPL + VFR night rating... and have been really struggling to get an aircraft to keep my license current ... and of course build some hours.
anyway, drop me a line if you get a chance. i am based in kitwe.
i did hear about that. pretty wild. i also heard proflight has recently started flying their jetstream32 from LUN-NLA-LUN recently...or is it a different aircraft? haven't seen/heard them before.
btw, do you fly in zambia privately or for some airline/charter? i would appreciate if you would pm me sometime. i just got in from south africa, with my PPL + VFR night rating... and have been really struggling to get an aircraft to keep my license current ... and of course build some hours.
anyway, drop me a line if you get a chance. i am based in kitwe.
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Re: Proflight Chief Executive arrested
I have not heard or read any more. Things go slowly here, especially over Christmas and New Year.
Johnnyk, your comment is interesting. There was a rumour two or three years ago that some pilots who left Proflight were several thousand dollars short on their pay. Are you one of them? As you refer to “us” it would seem that Proflight owes money to several parties. Is this for pay to individuals such as pilots or for supplies from companies? About a year ago a maintenance operation here supplied some items or supplies to Proflight but has had a problem with obtaining payment. After several requests and several months a cheque was forthcoming. This bounced! Apparently some months later it has still not been replaced. I thought with the new investors Proflight would have cleared any debts ready to start with a clean sheet. It seems they did not do so. Hmmmmm?
I suggest you contact someone other than Tony Irwin in Proflight’s new management to find out what their position is regarding paying any outstanding Proflight debts. Richard Calder, one of the new investors, is taking an active part in Proflight’s management as VP or Director of Finance. He resides in Zimbabwe and apparently is or was involved in an air charter and maintenance operation there. The General Manager of Proflight is Richard Franklin. He is based in Lusaka and used to run a booze-cruise boat at Livingstone. He is the son of Larry Franklin, the CFI at Nchanga Flying Club in Chingola. The Proflight office number in Lusaka is + 260 1 271035. Richard Franklin’s cell number is + 260 97 794506.
Contact one of the Richards and ask for what is due to you. Let us know either way what happens. If they pay, great - problem solved. If not, everyone will know for the future. This is probably the time of year Proflight will be considering hiring new pilots for the 2006 season. Prospective pilots might want to consider how this thread develops. It is always nice to know that one will receive the agreed amount of pay!
Johnnyk, your comment is interesting. There was a rumour two or three years ago that some pilots who left Proflight were several thousand dollars short on their pay. Are you one of them? As you refer to “us” it would seem that Proflight owes money to several parties. Is this for pay to individuals such as pilots or for supplies from companies? About a year ago a maintenance operation here supplied some items or supplies to Proflight but has had a problem with obtaining payment. After several requests and several months a cheque was forthcoming. This bounced! Apparently some months later it has still not been replaced. I thought with the new investors Proflight would have cleared any debts ready to start with a clean sheet. It seems they did not do so. Hmmmmm?
I suggest you contact someone other than Tony Irwin in Proflight’s new management to find out what their position is regarding paying any outstanding Proflight debts. Richard Calder, one of the new investors, is taking an active part in Proflight’s management as VP or Director of Finance. He resides in Zimbabwe and apparently is or was involved in an air charter and maintenance operation there. The General Manager of Proflight is Richard Franklin. He is based in Lusaka and used to run a booze-cruise boat at Livingstone. He is the son of Larry Franklin, the CFI at Nchanga Flying Club in Chingola. The Proflight office number in Lusaka is + 260 1 271035. Richard Franklin’s cell number is + 260 97 794506.
Contact one of the Richards and ask for what is due to you. Let us know either way what happens. If they pay, great - problem solved. If not, everyone will know for the future. This is probably the time of year Proflight will be considering hiring new pilots for the 2006 season. Prospective pilots might want to consider how this thread develops. It is always nice to know that one will receive the agreed amount of pay!
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Re: Proflight Chief Executive arrested
Thanks for the info Lusaka Sheriff. Will pass it up to the powers that be. No I wasnt a pilot for them but work for a company that is owed. We had the similiar promises and run around.
Cheers again.
Cheers again.
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Re: Proflight Chief Executive arrested
Dear lusaka sheriff, JohnnyK, Pilotezulu and any interested readers,
I have stumbled upon this thread and, of course, read it with much interest! It seems that there are some people who have certain gripes, issues or queries relating to 'Proflight.' I would like to invite you all to contact Proflight Commuter Services Ltd direct in order to seek the answers to the questions posed on this forum. Proflight Commuter Services Ltd has nothing to hide, nor anything to be ashamed of - we are a forthright and professional service provider - so please feel free to contact us at our Lusaka Airport office: +260 1 271035 or fax +260 1 271139 or [email protected] and 'lusaka sheriff' has kindly given you our cell phone number. Otherwise, 'lusaka sheriff,' why not drop in for a chat next time you are down our way?
I look forward to hearing from you in person.
Yours sincerely,
Richard
I have stumbled upon this thread and, of course, read it with much interest! It seems that there are some people who have certain gripes, issues or queries relating to 'Proflight.' I would like to invite you all to contact Proflight Commuter Services Ltd direct in order to seek the answers to the questions posed on this forum. Proflight Commuter Services Ltd has nothing to hide, nor anything to be ashamed of - we are a forthright and professional service provider - so please feel free to contact us at our Lusaka Airport office: +260 1 271035 or fax +260 1 271139 or [email protected] and 'lusaka sheriff' has kindly given you our cell phone number. Otherwise, 'lusaka sheriff,' why not drop in for a chat next time you are down our way?
I look forward to hearing from you in person.
Yours sincerely,
Richard
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PCS Party Political Broadcast?
WOW what a coincidence? Just happened to stumble on the thread and just happended to set up your profile when hot news is spread...............
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Re: Proflight Chief Executive arrested
Just been reading this thread. Spent a lot of time in Zimbabwe and Zambia recently and work closely with some good Zim guys here. Has Zimbabwe relaxed exchange control laws regarding Zimbabwean residents investing in foreign businesses ?. 
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Re: Proflight Chief Executive arrested
This is going to turn out to be pure (African) "politics" and someone with a gripe has had a little spurt of imagination. Hopefully it will be sorted soon.
And then perhaps the perpetrator should "watch his six..."
Just a thought.
NP.
And then perhaps the perpetrator should "watch his six..."
Just a thought.
NP.
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Re: Proflight Chief Executive arrested
Ndeke - you are correct.Not sure if you mean Cherokee Six or something else, but am told by the "Zim guys here" that the "Zim guys there" are all "good guys" so lets hope all the "unpaid guys"get sorted
I am really looking forward to the Zambian season - see you all there !!!.
I am really looking forward to the Zambian season - see you all there !!!.
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Re: Proflight Chief Executive arrested
Ndeke Pilot,
How are you bwana. How's HK?
I hope "kneecaps" doesn't catch up with Lusaka Sheriff for starting this thread.
Anyway sheriff, I don't know you, but I don't like my name being brought up in this. Tony is a nice guy and gave me my first start in this biz, hope it all works out for him and the company.
Is ABD still flying? Good luck to whoever is driving it. The fxxcker nearly killed me( suppose I shouldn't have done so many barrel rolls in it).
I hindsight I loved my time in Zambia (even with Proflight), so a big HOWZIT to everyone poling around there.
Cheers
JF
How are you bwana. How's HK?
I hope "kneecaps" doesn't catch up with Lusaka Sheriff for starting this thread.
Anyway sheriff, I don't know you, but I don't like my name being brought up in this. Tony is a nice guy and gave me my first start in this biz, hope it all works out for him and the company.
Is ABD still flying? Good luck to whoever is driving it. The fxxcker nearly killed me( suppose I shouldn't have done so many barrel rolls in it).
I hindsight I loved my time in Zambia (even with Proflight), so a big HOWZIT to everyone poling around there.
Cheers
JF
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Re: Proflight Chief Executive arrested
This is still going to turn out to be someone with a gripe trying to stir things up a little....a common theme in Zambian business life, and whilst Proflight has had its problems in the past, I think that with the recent investments in the company and change of direction it should hopefully re emerge as a good company.
There are more aircraft, hopefully better maintenance and a new lease of life and I wish them all the best.
The Cub issue was years ago and I think facts should be checked before letting rip on PPRune, or believing everything you read in the Times of Zambia. As for being arrested in Zambia, I'm afraid that it is a case of arresting first and then checking facts and asking questions later, and pretty much anyone with a half baked conspiracy theory and a gripe can get it all in motion. However, that same person should perhaps check the rear view mirror more frequently once it all gets sorted out, as I am sure it will do. It's a personal opinion I know, but if there are crooks in Zambia, Tony Irwin is certainly not one of them. And whilst Proflight has certainly gone through some rough times, at least they have always operated out of a hangar with offices and AOCs and Zambian employees. There are only a handful of other operators in Lusaka who can say they have done likewise, as opposed to the good old briefcase, cell phone and a couple of "lunchtime connections" approach of others. Anyway, enough griping from me, but I for one certainly hope that they now move on from strength to strength.
JockFlyer!!! How are things Dude!! I'm in London this weekend so will try to give you a call, but as far as I know, MJS has been rebuilt properly since its gear up.....some pilots, I don't know!!.....and looks great. ABD also has a new donkey and flew several hundred hassle free hours last season. Unlike a certain "Blandy blandy new" 206 sitting around in Zambia. Don't know about the Chieftains or Islander but the Jetstream sure looks good!
Hong Kong is great.....can't find any lion or leopard etc, just not looking hard enough I guess!!
Cheers,
NP.
There are more aircraft, hopefully better maintenance and a new lease of life and I wish them all the best.
The Cub issue was years ago and I think facts should be checked before letting rip on PPRune, or believing everything you read in the Times of Zambia. As for being arrested in Zambia, I'm afraid that it is a case of arresting first and then checking facts and asking questions later, and pretty much anyone with a half baked conspiracy theory and a gripe can get it all in motion. However, that same person should perhaps check the rear view mirror more frequently once it all gets sorted out, as I am sure it will do. It's a personal opinion I know, but if there are crooks in Zambia, Tony Irwin is certainly not one of them. And whilst Proflight has certainly gone through some rough times, at least they have always operated out of a hangar with offices and AOCs and Zambian employees. There are only a handful of other operators in Lusaka who can say they have done likewise, as opposed to the good old briefcase, cell phone and a couple of "lunchtime connections" approach of others. Anyway, enough griping from me, but I for one certainly hope that they now move on from strength to strength.
JockFlyer!!! How are things Dude!! I'm in London this weekend so will try to give you a call, but as far as I know, MJS has been rebuilt properly since its gear up.....some pilots, I don't know!!.....and looks great. ABD also has a new donkey and flew several hundred hassle free hours last season. Unlike a certain "Blandy blandy new" 206 sitting around in Zambia. Don't know about the Chieftains or Islander but the Jetstream sure looks good!
Hong Kong is great.....can't find any lion or leopard etc, just not looking hard enough I guess!!
Cheers,
NP.
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Re: Proflight Chief Executive arrested
Hello to all Zambia pilots!
Strange stuff indeed about whats reported at PCS. I can't honestly believe there any substance to the allegations and consequently wish them good luck with their new ndeke's and routes this coming season. I, for one, look forward to seeing them all soon!
All the best to everyone out there. I am sure our paths have crossed at some point- I'm the chap in the 206 with the pretty animals painted down the side. (not the owner, but the vice deputy junior under assitant pilot(acting)
)
p.s. the "blandy new" 206 has gone to a new home now and as far as i know, will not be seen parked on the tarmac anymore.
ta ta!
regards from the kitchin.
Strange stuff indeed about whats reported at PCS. I can't honestly believe there any substance to the allegations and consequently wish them good luck with their new ndeke's and routes this coming season. I, for one, look forward to seeing them all soon!
All the best to everyone out there. I am sure our paths have crossed at some point- I'm the chap in the 206 with the pretty animals painted down the side. (not the owner, but the vice deputy junior under assitant pilot(acting)
) p.s. the "blandy new" 206 has gone to a new home now and as far as i know, will not be seen parked on the tarmac anymore.
ta ta!
regards from the kitchin.
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Re: Proflight Chief Executive arrested
To All Current and Ex Zambian Pilots
I flew for Proflight a few years...Remember the cherokee 6?As jocky-boy said,hope kneekap's doesnt catch up with the sheriff,got me out of trouble a few time's,Tony the Tiger gave most of us our first gig,and went out of his way with training and sharing knowledge,planes didnt allways look to good,didnt allways pay on time,but there are much worse people to work for in Zambia as far as money and maintenance is concerned...and Carl is a good man to know in Zambia,
hope you guy's enjoy the season,might see you there
T-bone(Ex Chief pilot Proflight Air Services)
I flew for Proflight a few years...Remember the cherokee 6?As jocky-boy said,hope kneekap's doesnt catch up with the sheriff,got me out of trouble a few time's,Tony the Tiger gave most of us our first gig,and went out of his way with training and sharing knowledge,planes didnt allways look to good,didnt allways pay on time,but there are much worse people to work for in Zambia as far as money and maintenance is concerned...and Carl is a good man to know in Zambia,
hope you guy's enjoy the season,might see you there
T-bone(Ex Chief pilot Proflight Air Services)
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ndekePilot
I Flew for Profliight a few years ago and have to agree That Tony is a great Guy who has given alot of people thier first jobs in an industry often difficult to break into. The new general manager is a very dynamic buisnessman and will do a great job running the show.I would just like to wish all the Proflight team my best and to all the pilots in Zambia" Have a great season" miss flying there.
Ndeke Driver,I used to live uo the road from you,had a noisy Green bike,Hope your well and big hello to JF & RF.
wm75
Ndeke Driver,I used to live uo the road from you,had a noisy Green bike,Hope your well and big hello to JF & RF.
wm75
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The BONE..
Lekker T-Bone! Wat se jy tjom??
Wens ek was nog in Zambia.....beter as WEST AFRICA!
Bel my as jy tuis is, ek sal 8 Feb in SA wees.
Cheers
yoyo
PS: enjoying the SAAB Jocky???
Wens ek was nog in Zambia.....beter as WEST AFRICA!
Bel my as jy tuis is, ek sal 8 Feb in SA wees.
Cheers
yoyo
PS: enjoying the SAAB Jocky???
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beeech19
Boesman,
G2 here,lost comms it seems,back in GP on 10th Feb.Lets go get us some shore leave...........
Passed thru Our old hunting ground the other day on a ferry flt,saw Janet,she send her best.
Miss ya boet......
G2 here,lost comms it seems,back in GP on 10th Feb.Lets go get us some shore leave...........
Passed thru Our old hunting ground the other day on a ferry flt,saw Janet,she send her best.
Miss ya boet......
