Airserv
...there is a place for Air Serv...
The concept of providing not for profit humanitarian air service is noble. But, however noble it may be, running scheduled public commercial flights and offering charter flight service to the public under Part 91 is simply wrong.
Air Serv could gain a great deal of respect from all - their clients and other operators alike - if they stepped up to the plate and made a decision to comply with the laws of their country of registration, just like everyone else is expected to do.
Join Date: May 2006
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The Gist
As V1 says, get legal, play legal & bid like all others, then survive & grow. I am VERY SAD at ASI because many people have worked there buts off for the organization, but as NG also said there is life after ASI.
Just come into the same sandpit, play the same game and then you can look others in the face. That "Dozey FAA" piece of paper hanging up on your wall means nothing.
Get the paper, then come & play ....
Just come into the same sandpit, play the same game and then you can look others in the face. That "Dozey FAA" piece of paper hanging up on your wall means nothing.
Get the paper, then come & play ....
Join Date: Dec 2004
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Bushjeppy - EXACTLY! Is there really a place in today's world for a Part 91 operator, operating only to Part 91 standards, to be out there competing for contract work with certificated Part 135 operators? Why should any government or non-governmental agency contract with ASI who then (at reduced safety margins and increased cost to the end user) goes out and sub-contracts for the services to be provided by a properly certificated operator, who then has to put up with being directed by sometimes worthless and incompetent field managers? What a waste.
I'm staying out of the politics here as I've been out of touch with things since my last contract with them, something over a year ago.. but... as for safety standards.. I've worked with ASI in Congo and Afghanland and also worked for private operations in other parts of North and Central Africa in addition to a well known and respected South African outfit and can say categorically that ASIs safety standards regarding flight ops were equal to or exceeded those of any other operater I flew for... Whatever any individual country director or client might of thought resonable or safe was always, ultimately ok'd or vetoed by the flight crews and never once in my experience were crews' decisions seriously questioned... which is a lot more than I can say of management of companies I flew for during 10 years of scheduled ops in the UK and Europe.
That's all I have to say other than best wishes to any former colleagues still working with ASI...
Colleagues losing jobs
Mojingles
What you need to understand is that the passionate words regarding ASI in these posts have the same roots as your own. Most of us who have worked for Airserv in the "programs" thoroughly enjoyed the work, the cultures we were emeshed in, and the friends we made and worked with. But in the past couple of years most also left frustrated, even angry, as the company (by its own admission) needed contracts so badly that they took on some that were, clearly and simply, long-term commercial charter agreements. The differing philosophies of the BoD, the CEO(s), and the VP of International Programs concerning what "humanitarian" meant lead to constantly changing statements of ASI's vision. First this way, then that, then this again. You know as well as I do that was also a major factor in the decisions by some HO staff (and very good people) to leave Airserv.
As an aside, whether you know it or not, a "hidden" but significant factor in the loss last year of the largest ASI contract was the arrogant continual meddling from that same old SW.
Best of luck to you.
What you need to understand is that the passionate words regarding ASI in these posts have the same roots as your own. Most of us who have worked for Airserv in the "programs" thoroughly enjoyed the work, the cultures we were emeshed in, and the friends we made and worked with. But in the past couple of years most also left frustrated, even angry, as the company (by its own admission) needed contracts so badly that they took on some that were, clearly and simply, long-term commercial charter agreements. The differing philosophies of the BoD, the CEO(s), and the VP of International Programs concerning what "humanitarian" meant lead to constantly changing statements of ASI's vision. First this way, then that, then this again. You know as well as I do that was also a major factor in the decisions by some HO staff (and very good people) to leave Airserv.
As an aside, whether you know it or not, a "hidden" but significant factor in the loss last year of the largest ASI contract was the arrogant continual meddling from that same old SW.
Best of luck to you.
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I agree with your below statement grizzled as I did hold ASI close to my heart, and saw the degree of humanitaritanism continue to lack day after day in the last 2 years, I was not one on the lucky ones, but Hey, I hope it gets rebuilt from the bottom up and wish everyone there the best of luck.
Mojingles
What you need to understand is that the passionate words regarding ASI in these posts have the same roots as your own. Most of us who have worked for Airserv in the "programs" thoroughly enjoyed the work, the cultures we were emeshed in, and the friends we made and worked with. But in the past couple of years most also left frustrated, even angry, as the company (by its own admission) needed contracts so badly that they took on some that were, clearly and simply, long-term commercial charter agreements. The differing philosophies of the BoD, the CEO(s), and the VP of International Programs concerning what "humanitarian" meant lead to constantly changing statements of ASI's vision. First this way, then that, then this again. You know as well as I do that was also a major factor in the decisions by some HO staff (and very good people) to leave Airserv.
As an aside, whether you know it or not, a "hidden" but significant factor in the loss last year of the largest ASI contract was the arrogant continual meddling from that same old SW.
Best of luck to you.
Mojingles
What you need to understand is that the passionate words regarding ASI in these posts have the same roots as your own. Most of us who have worked for Airserv in the "programs" thoroughly enjoyed the work, the cultures we were emeshed in, and the friends we made and worked with. But in the past couple of years most also left frustrated, even angry, as the company (by its own admission) needed contracts so badly that they took on some that were, clearly and simply, long-term commercial charter agreements. The differing philosophies of the BoD, the CEO(s), and the VP of International Programs concerning what "humanitarian" meant lead to constantly changing statements of ASI's vision. First this way, then that, then this again. You know as well as I do that was also a major factor in the decisions by some HO staff (and very good people) to leave Airserv.
As an aside, whether you know it or not, a "hidden" but significant factor in the loss last year of the largest ASI contract was the arrogant continual meddling from that same old SW.
Best of luck to you.
Join Date: Jan 2007
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Air Serv
it is a christian fanatic organization really known as MAF. the name was changed to AirServ so it can bid on U.S. and UN contracts without implying its christian fanatic background. Because the christian's are keen in lining thier own pockets and screwing thier fellow man or woman to do it, they are able to run a profitable company and live a good life. Paying a highly experienced pilot $2700 USD per month to do covert work in the Middle East with 90 days on at a time is an insult.
When I asked them if they have ever lost a pilot, I was told only when he stepped out of his room while their was some shooting.
If you get involved with Air Serve you will be working for peanuts, thrust into a part of the World where you will be forgotten, and the experince you may gain will do little to promote your career. YOU ARE EXPENDABLE AT AIR SERVE.
When I asked them if they have ever lost a pilot, I was told only when he stepped out of his room while their was some shooting.
If you get involved with Air Serve you will be working for peanuts, thrust into a part of the World where you will be forgotten, and the experince you may gain will do little to promote your career. YOU ARE EXPENDABLE AT AIR SERVE.
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Oosik... I'm a gentle sort of person with very few strong words on anything ... but on this occasion... in the words of Groucho Marx "I'll make an exception"
You are a complete twa*.
You are a complete twa*.
Join Date: Apr 2008
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I worked for ASI most of the last 16 yrs only in Mozambique so I got to watch the goings on from a bit of a distant perspective but have certainly been affected by them.
The situation at ASI is simple-
lack of money due to the inability to procure new contracts.
The underlying reason for this is the difficulty(impossibility?) trying to run a humanitarian NONPROFIT NGO and a commercial FOR PROFIT AVIATION COMPANY. ASI began in Mozambique and Ethiopia back in 1984 when there was no competition from the private sector.
Over the years that environment changed and in fact the directions taken by ASI management 10 years ago exacerbated the situation-- outsourcing to South African companies.
The users eventually figured out that it made more sense to skip the middle man and go directly to the SA company actually doing the flying.
Can new management change the situation? So much hinges on how many natural disasters occur, how many major accidents by African airlines happen--and HOW WELL ASI ACTUALLY LIVES UP TO IT'S MISSION STATEMENT.
The situation at ASI is simple-
lack of money due to the inability to procure new contracts.
The underlying reason for this is the difficulty(impossibility?) trying to run a humanitarian NONPROFIT NGO and a commercial FOR PROFIT AVIATION COMPANY. ASI began in Mozambique and Ethiopia back in 1984 when there was no competition from the private sector.
Over the years that environment changed and in fact the directions taken by ASI management 10 years ago exacerbated the situation-- outsourcing to South African companies.
The users eventually figured out that it made more sense to skip the middle man and go directly to the SA company actually doing the flying.
Can new management change the situation? So much hinges on how many natural disasters occur, how many major accidents by African airlines happen--and HOW WELL ASI ACTUALLY LIVES UP TO IT'S MISSION STATEMENT.
Join Date: Aug 2007
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In response to Oosik's post, I worked for AirServ for a while a few years back and although AirServ was born out of MAF and may have had its roots there in 1984 it has well and truely moved, from what I saw, away from the principles that guide MAF. Having grown up as the son of an MAF pilot for 20+ years I can say without a doubt that AirServ is not MAF and cannot even be compared to MAF. While I was working there I met a number of people who may have had some type of faith but never Christian fanaticism in fact I would go as far as to say that despite peoples good intentions the attitudes and lifestyles were in complete contrast.
I too am sad that it wasn't what I expected and believe a return to its roots, to the original vision, when money didn't matter would see AirServ back to its best.
I too am sad that it wasn't what I expected and believe a return to its roots, to the original vision, when money didn't matter would see AirServ back to its best.
Join Date: Jan 2006
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Interesting read on ASI, I had flown for them in Jordan, Afghan, and Chad and met some really nice guy`s..Corky that was the ASI manager in Kabul was a professional and a gentleman to boot..but Amman manager was a complete d**s named Erwin Timmerman..don`t know how he lasted so long..had his head up his own ass never mind the CEO`s in the US. I remember the ASI pilots getting crappy pay and the Naturelink pilots getting alot more, but they were doiing the same flying. Maybe the ASI management studied from Naturelink management who did the majority of flying for them all over..??? Anyway good luck to the ASI pilots and new management.
Join Date: Oct 2006
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I wanted to fly for ASI once, but was rejected bacause I was married.
Does anyone know if things have changed concerning this matter.
New management, new policies ??
Fly safe guys, and take care!
Gary.
Does anyone know if things have changed concerning this matter.
New management, new policies ??
Fly safe guys, and take care!
Gary.
