Is aviation in Africa really unsafe?
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Groundfloor,
That's what we should be aiming for. However, I knw that countries like Nigeria in league with thales (France) have spent nearly USD$1 billion in trying to have total terrestrial radar coverage. Which will be obsolete by the time it is in place. Thales knows that since 2004, every forward looking country is planning for NEXTGEN, WAAS and GNSS not terestial radar, but hey, they want to sell their old stuff so why should they not encourage silly African countries to buy them. This strategic mistake by Nigeria could have been averted if the AFI through the AU and AFCAC had reached a decision to align all civil aviation policies within the region.
Max,
The Africa aviation environment is composed of socio- political and economic factors all of which must be harnessed in local as well as regional harmony to make any real impact. Historical evidence abounds that the impressive strides made by individual components (countries like South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt Kenya, e.t.c)within the AFI region in achieving some global safety and technological standards have always been eclipsed by the failures of their proximate neighbors. If someone breaks wind in a crowded lift without air conditioning; the whole group stinks! Or a person suffering toothache will have to physically convey his entire body; arms , legs, head, nose, eyes and all the other organs who are otherwise healthy to the dentist. All for the simple fact that it is currently impossible to detached and despatch the mouth alone to dentist for the required treatment. Not to mention the pain that could induce a head ache that immobilizes the entire body That's the scenario that African aviation finds itself. Aviation requires long term strategic planning rather than short term tactical fixes that use up the scarce human and liquid capital. Logically, everyone expects this to be top driven, but we know most governments have 3-5 year life span before the next election and they plan to sow and reap in that time frame. It appears the political and bureaucratic leadership does not care, but the professionals in Africa should care about the future of the industry. It's time to see this sorted from the ground up. Driven or at least fuelled by the end users, the professional aviators and their various bodies profer an insiders solution to aid their leaders in taking the right decisions. For example:
Can the system be improved by harmonising all regulations in the AFI region and have common licensing standards?
Can the region better harness synergy by aligning their civil aviation policies with a common objective?
A holistic approach has to be applied in unison to these social, economic and political factors that threaten aviation safety in Africa. Starting with simple, practical and proven initiatives. Africa should look for the opportunities beyond the threats and strength beyond the percieved weakness.
That's what we should be aiming for. However, I knw that countries like Nigeria in league with thales (France) have spent nearly USD$1 billion in trying to have total terrestrial radar coverage. Which will be obsolete by the time it is in place. Thales knows that since 2004, every forward looking country is planning for NEXTGEN, WAAS and GNSS not terestial radar, but hey, they want to sell their old stuff so why should they not encourage silly African countries to buy them. This strategic mistake by Nigeria could have been averted if the AFI through the AU and AFCAC had reached a decision to align all civil aviation policies within the region.
Max,
The Africa aviation environment is composed of socio- political and economic factors all of which must be harnessed in local as well as regional harmony to make any real impact. Historical evidence abounds that the impressive strides made by individual components (countries like South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt Kenya, e.t.c)within the AFI region in achieving some global safety and technological standards have always been eclipsed by the failures of their proximate neighbors. If someone breaks wind in a crowded lift without air conditioning; the whole group stinks! Or a person suffering toothache will have to physically convey his entire body; arms , legs, head, nose, eyes and all the other organs who are otherwise healthy to the dentist. All for the simple fact that it is currently impossible to detached and despatch the mouth alone to dentist for the required treatment. Not to mention the pain that could induce a head ache that immobilizes the entire body That's the scenario that African aviation finds itself. Aviation requires long term strategic planning rather than short term tactical fixes that use up the scarce human and liquid capital. Logically, everyone expects this to be top driven, but we know most governments have 3-5 year life span before the next election and they plan to sow and reap in that time frame. It appears the political and bureaucratic leadership does not care, but the professionals in Africa should care about the future of the industry. It's time to see this sorted from the ground up. Driven or at least fuelled by the end users, the professional aviators and their various bodies profer an insiders solution to aid their leaders in taking the right decisions. For example:
Can the system be improved by harmonising all regulations in the AFI region and have common licensing standards?
Can the region better harness synergy by aligning their civil aviation policies with a common objective?
A holistic approach has to be applied in unison to these social, economic and political factors that threaten aviation safety in Africa. Starting with simple, practical and proven initiatives. Africa should look for the opportunities beyond the threats and strength beyond the percieved weakness.
Last edited by DRPAM007; 4th Sep 2011 at 13:21.
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I agree with your assesment.
Yes.
The problem is in the implimentation. You would have to get 'buy in' from the governments of all 54 countries, all of varying levels of (in)competance and socio economic developement.
Assuming that ultimately there were competant governments in place (mabey in another 30 years time when the whole Afro-socialist experiment has failed and imploded on itself), the cost implications would be huge.
It would be very hard for a democratic government to justify billions of $$$ for aviation developement when most of the people in the region still dont have access to running water, health care and electricity.
Untill such time we would have to stick with the staus quo and look forward to minor safety gains of individual country's. Baby steps first....
Max
I agree with your assesment.
Can the system be improved by harmonising all regulations in the AFI region and have common licensing standards?
Can the region better harness synergy by aligning their civil aviation policies with a common objective?
Can the region better harness synergy by aligning their civil aviation policies with a common objective?
The problem is in the implimentation. You would have to get 'buy in' from the governments of all 54 countries, all of varying levels of (in)competance and socio economic developement.
Assuming that ultimately there were competant governments in place (mabey in another 30 years time when the whole Afro-socialist experiment has failed and imploded on itself), the cost implications would be huge.
It would be very hard for a democratic government to justify billions of $$$ for aviation developement when most of the people in the region still dont have access to running water, health care and electricity.
Untill such time we would have to stick with the staus quo and look forward to minor safety gains of individual country's. Baby steps first....
Max
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Max,
Thanks for you input. If I may have the liberty to add: Small basic steps will have been adequate 20 years ago. Right now, the environment is not that forgiving. The fast pace of technology requires long term strategy with a feature of dynamic adaptability. Even the major players in the USA cannot rely on chapter 11 for survival; they’ve swallowed their pride and gone for, long term commercial agreements, multibrand mergers and acquisitions. Not because they cannot survive, but because they need to make a profit or else it’s not worth it to remain in business. I believe Africa needs small steps that are part of a regional big picture strategy; one that integrates the scarce resources and available skill sets within; e.g. initial and recurrent training institutions, MRO’s, investors, banks, airlines to ensure that the investments and it's controls still resides on the African continent.
Baby steps is what the politicians like to show case in order placate those clamouring for evidence of performance or heads on a platter. That short term tactical fix is what we see in the giants of aviation in African airlines viz; SAA, Ethiopian, Egyptair, Royal air Maroc, Air Algiers, ( all at least 95% government owned) and Kenya airways (formed 1977 , 26%KLM, 22% government). These are all struggling and losing against the top global 50 airlines in every aspect of operation. With the recent recession, airlines have zeroed in on the projected 4.6% expected traffic growth in Africa to stay in the green and the African airlines are now facing dire straits. We have more flights into Africa but it’s airlines are facing a great chance of extinction. The long and short is, Africa needs long term strategy and investment
Small steps don’t cut it where you’re racing against giants. It’s either you throw in the towel or up your ante. Throwing in the towel portends more than just negative economic ramifications for Africa or for any country for that matter. Hence, the ownership and voting restrictions in airline business in most countries. Hence, the 27 EU countries have centralised ATC and negotiate bilateral air service agreements in a regional basis. Without synergy and macro-planning, it was going to be a battle of attrition for Europe and it’s 19th century competing powers.
The modus operandi for the past 5 decades has shown that even prudent government backing is not a guarantee for success as there are carriers whose annual earnings eclipse the GDP of the most African countries. United-continental earned more money in 2010 than Kenya; the 10th richest country in Africa. So direct government investment in aviation wont cut it. Unguarded privatization will just cede control of the industry to foreign entrepreneurs and they’re not interested in developing infrastructure or social services in Africa. They want returns on investment. Aviation goes beyond pure financial economics.
In all these, I still agree with you that even the implementation of macro strategies will end up being implemented in a multitude of small steps in the right direction.
Thanks for you input. If I may have the liberty to add: Small basic steps will have been adequate 20 years ago. Right now, the environment is not that forgiving. The fast pace of technology requires long term strategy with a feature of dynamic adaptability. Even the major players in the USA cannot rely on chapter 11 for survival; they’ve swallowed their pride and gone for, long term commercial agreements, multibrand mergers and acquisitions. Not because they cannot survive, but because they need to make a profit or else it’s not worth it to remain in business. I believe Africa needs small steps that are part of a regional big picture strategy; one that integrates the scarce resources and available skill sets within; e.g. initial and recurrent training institutions, MRO’s, investors, banks, airlines to ensure that the investments and it's controls still resides on the African continent.
Baby steps is what the politicians like to show case in order placate those clamouring for evidence of performance or heads on a platter. That short term tactical fix is what we see in the giants of aviation in African airlines viz; SAA, Ethiopian, Egyptair, Royal air Maroc, Air Algiers, ( all at least 95% government owned) and Kenya airways (formed 1977 , 26%KLM, 22% government). These are all struggling and losing against the top global 50 airlines in every aspect of operation. With the recent recession, airlines have zeroed in on the projected 4.6% expected traffic growth in Africa to stay in the green and the African airlines are now facing dire straits. We have more flights into Africa but it’s airlines are facing a great chance of extinction. The long and short is, Africa needs long term strategy and investment
Small steps don’t cut it where you’re racing against giants. It’s either you throw in the towel or up your ante. Throwing in the towel portends more than just negative economic ramifications for Africa or for any country for that matter. Hence, the ownership and voting restrictions in airline business in most countries. Hence, the 27 EU countries have centralised ATC and negotiate bilateral air service agreements in a regional basis. Without synergy and macro-planning, it was going to be a battle of attrition for Europe and it’s 19th century competing powers.
The modus operandi for the past 5 decades has shown that even prudent government backing is not a guarantee for success as there are carriers whose annual earnings eclipse the GDP of the most African countries. United-continental earned more money in 2010 than Kenya; the 10th richest country in Africa. So direct government investment in aviation wont cut it. Unguarded privatization will just cede control of the industry to foreign entrepreneurs and they’re not interested in developing infrastructure or social services in Africa. They want returns on investment. Aviation goes beyond pure financial economics.
In all these, I still agree with you that even the implementation of macro strategies will end up being implemented in a multitude of small steps in the right direction.
Last edited by DRPAM007; 15th Sep 2011 at 22:24.
Está servira para distraerle.
(United-continental earned more money in 2010 than Kenya; the 10th richest country in Africa.)
How much of United-Continental's earnings were gainfully reinvested in company development? How much of Kenya's earnings, a significant feature of which is foreign aid, were used for the ends for which they were intended?
The resources are not nearly so scarce as is the capability and integrity of governments in Africa to apply them in a scrupulous manner.
Never mind though, personal teleportation will be along soon and then aviation safety will be once again of no consequence in the great continent that is Africa.
EU freezes £83m aid to 'corrupt' Kenya | World news | The Guardian
Let me add as a postscript that this is not an attack on Kenya per se. It'll just do nicely as an example of why individual responsibility let alone collective cooperation remains as far away as the African horizon.
How much of United-Continental's earnings were gainfully reinvested in company development? How much of Kenya's earnings, a significant feature of which is foreign aid, were used for the ends for which they were intended?
The resources are not nearly so scarce as is the capability and integrity of governments in Africa to apply them in a scrupulous manner.
Never mind though, personal teleportation will be along soon and then aviation safety will be once again of no consequence in the great continent that is Africa.
EU freezes £83m aid to 'corrupt' Kenya | World news | The Guardian
Let me add as a postscript that this is not an attack on Kenya per se. It'll just do nicely as an example of why individual responsibility let alone collective cooperation remains as far away as the African horizon.
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DRPAM007
Sir, I would be curious as to your opinion regarding the adjacent thread ' DRC CAA bribes', how would you handle that situation from an ICAO/EASA/ JAR/ European point of view?
Sir, I would be curious as to your opinion regarding the adjacent thread ' DRC CAA bribes', how would you handle that situation from an ICAO/EASA/ JAR/ European point of view?
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Max,
I expect that globally, whether in Africa, Europe or the moon soliciting, giving or offering of bribes in any situation is considered complicit, criminal behavior. Hence, there's no reason why it should be handled in any special way. There is no good reason for demanding or giving bribes; only excuses.
In which case both parties bear some level of responsibility for the crime committed. Per adventure one of the parties ( usually the giver) was intimidated or threatened to accede, the logical step is to blow the whistle. Failing to report, shows consensual agreement. In some cases, the rot could be widespread in the system, but that's not an excuse not to report. Refusing to give bribes can result in some serious inconveniences, but we can see the effect of active or passive participation. Sometimes the process actually initiated by the giving party framing it as a "tip" to facilitate or expedite a process. All it does at best is to subvert due processes and foster a culture of corruption which leaves all parties involved culpable and the system morally bankrupt. Sadly, African societies pay a heavier price for this scourge than others.
It appears confidence is misplaced when one expects developed societies/economies to adopt a moral high ground when it comes to bribery and corruption.
Did money change hands between reporters and police in the UK phone hacking scandals? What would you call that?
Did a good number of UK Mp's actually try to justify dipping their snouts in the trough before the investigation water tight?
Here are a few questions regarding a well known saga that ties Aviation, Africa, UK, US, Saudi et al.
What can be used to describe the over US$1 billion BAE (in league with UK ministry of defence) paid to Saudi Prince Bandar to facilitate the Saudi-UK $43 billion weapons contract in 1985? Not content, the same BAE bribed a Tanzanian middleman with US$8 million ( lodged in a swiss bank) to prevail on the Tanzanian government to buy a "white elephant" radar system costing US$88 million radar in 1999. These events were 14 years between, you can imagine what else had transpired in within the period. Okay so BAE was fined of £256 Million by the US because the Saudi slush fund was routed through the US banks and £30 million surrendered to UK courts for the iniquities in Tanzania. Did the prestigious BAE know this was criminal behavior or that is how they "normally conduct business"?
What does it speak of the UK government when Tony Blair used the Prime Ministers' office to halt the investigation into the Saudi-UK Tornado deal?
And it appears Cameron needed to expedite some process in Libya recently as well..
Libya officials bribed by Britain to help evacuate UK citizens | World news | The Guardian
What is the Bribery Act? - Telegraph
I expect that globally, whether in Africa, Europe or the moon soliciting, giving or offering of bribes in any situation is considered complicit, criminal behavior. Hence, there's no reason why it should be handled in any special way. There is no good reason for demanding or giving bribes; only excuses.
In which case both parties bear some level of responsibility for the crime committed. Per adventure one of the parties ( usually the giver) was intimidated or threatened to accede, the logical step is to blow the whistle. Failing to report, shows consensual agreement. In some cases, the rot could be widespread in the system, but that's not an excuse not to report. Refusing to give bribes can result in some serious inconveniences, but we can see the effect of active or passive participation. Sometimes the process actually initiated by the giving party framing it as a "tip" to facilitate or expedite a process. All it does at best is to subvert due processes and foster a culture of corruption which leaves all parties involved culpable and the system morally bankrupt. Sadly, African societies pay a heavier price for this scourge than others.
It appears confidence is misplaced when one expects developed societies/economies to adopt a moral high ground when it comes to bribery and corruption.
Did money change hands between reporters and police in the UK phone hacking scandals? What would you call that?
Did a good number of UK Mp's actually try to justify dipping their snouts in the trough before the investigation water tight?
Here are a few questions regarding a well known saga that ties Aviation, Africa, UK, US, Saudi et al.
What can be used to describe the over US$1 billion BAE (in league with UK ministry of defence) paid to Saudi Prince Bandar to facilitate the Saudi-UK $43 billion weapons contract in 1985? Not content, the same BAE bribed a Tanzanian middleman with US$8 million ( lodged in a swiss bank) to prevail on the Tanzanian government to buy a "white elephant" radar system costing US$88 million radar in 1999. These events were 14 years between, you can imagine what else had transpired in within the period. Okay so BAE was fined of £256 Million by the US because the Saudi slush fund was routed through the US banks and £30 million surrendered to UK courts for the iniquities in Tanzania. Did the prestigious BAE know this was criminal behavior or that is how they "normally conduct business"?
What does it speak of the UK government when Tony Blair used the Prime Ministers' office to halt the investigation into the Saudi-UK Tornado deal?
And it appears Cameron needed to expedite some process in Libya recently as well..
Libya officials bribed by Britain to help evacuate UK citizens | World news | The Guardian
What is the Bribery Act? - Telegraph
Last edited by DRPAM007; 16th Sep 2011 at 22:40.
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I thought cannibalism is no longer fashionable in African villages having been replaced by the endless supply of canned pork meat and sausages that comes as aid from US and the EU. However, it appears to be suited to rather posh and civilised serial killers like the "cross bow cannibal" and eccentric academics like Hannibal Lecter....
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hahahahah
OK, it doesn't happen often, but I have just recently heard three stories, from people I know and trust and respect...
One, a missionary, was taken into a field, where there were several "bones" laying about, and held at gun point while interrogated (5 years ago)
Another, had his friend "disappear" (3 years ago)
and a third was "escorted" out of a village, and was told that there were talks of "doing him in" (18 months ago)
So, maybe they aren't being eaten... but the rumors still exist
Maybe that's why people continue to pay bribes...
OK, it doesn't happen often, but I have just recently heard three stories, from people I know and trust and respect...
One, a missionary, was taken into a field, where there were several "bones" laying about, and held at gun point while interrogated (5 years ago)
Another, had his friend "disappear" (3 years ago)
and a third was "escorted" out of a village, and was told that there were talks of "doing him in" (18 months ago)
So, maybe they aren't being eaten... but the rumors still exist
Maybe that's why people continue to pay bribes...
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interesting thread shift here.
There used to be a version of 'Congolese Russian Roulette', you have to choose a Kinshasa night fighter out of a group of 6, except one of them is actually a cannibal, I never understood it myself but the old and bold Africa pilots used to speak of this.
There used to be a version of 'Congolese Russian Roulette', you have to choose a Kinshasa night fighter out of a group of 6, except one of them is actually a cannibal, I never understood it myself but the old and bold Africa pilots used to speak of this.
Last edited by maxrated; 15th Sep 2011 at 21:02.
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Wasn't there a little issue with the Gabonese Embassy and some oddly stuffed cooler boxes a few years ago, or am I dreaming things...
Too many years in West Africa have left me with no doubt whatsoever that cannibalism is still practiced, even in some very high circles.
Too many years in West Africa have left me with no doubt whatsoever that cannibalism is still practiced, even in some very high circles.
I have flown into and out of Jo-burg quite a few times in an A340 and I would say that the aviation side (apart from the superb JNB ATC and the JNB Airport infrastructure itself) compares favorably with the less populated parts of the rest of the World. Just use the big sky principle, listen to and talk on the radio and watch the TCAS.
From what I have read so far on this thread, it would seem to that aviating in any other part of Africa is a far safer proposition than walking around on the ground. The most deadly animal in Africa has only two legs...
From what I have read so far on this thread, it would seem to that aviating in any other part of Africa is a far safer proposition than walking around on the ground. The most deadly animal in Africa has only two legs...
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All things considered, every action has a "cause" and will create an "effect". No person is omniscient, but most times we know when we have deliberately chosen to do what is wrong. Being human allows us to exercise the privilege of choice. Funny, but this reminds me of a line in Arabian nights "Aladdin" series where Jafar remarked " You never know what you can live through" when asked if there's anything worse than death.
Perhaps the real question is what happens when everyone gives the bribe and no one blows the whistle?
An old friend once said; " in the face of truth, logic, facts or even excuses Reasoning is a matter of choice".
Perhaps the real question is what happens when everyone gives the bribe and no one blows the whistle?
An old friend once said; " in the face of truth, logic, facts or even excuses Reasoning is a matter of choice".