How safe is Mali NW Africa to fly
 

Hi

I am wondering if someone could highlight the situation and flying conditions in and around Mali. How safe the airfields are and the Capital Bamako.
I have been offered a position to fly in Mali want some feed back regarding safety and conditions.

Cheers:ok:

Must be fatal by number of reply's.

http://www.pprune.org/african-aviati...rica-when.html

Read the thread above. I spent 12 months flying in Africa in the 1970's. My recollection is the same. Substitute DC4 for Anatov etc and it is the same. Fond memories. Keep your wits about you and remain calm. It can be fun and character building.

You're safe :p as long as you're above FL 260...:}

November last year....
Six Volga-Dnepr air crew killed in Bamako terrorist attack - Air Cargo News

ASN News » FAA issues updated Notam to avoid Mali airspace below FL260

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a new Notam, advising to avoid flights in Mali airspace below FL260 due to insurgent activities.
The African state of Mali has seen armed conflicts within the country since 2012 with intervention by among other French forces. The security situation in Mali led the FAA to issue a Notam in 2014, stating that “U.S. operators and airmen should avoid flying into, out of, within or over Mali at or below FL240. ” Following a re-evaluation of the security situation, the FAA issued a new Notam , effective February 26, 2015. In this Notam the minimum altitude was raised to FL260. The Notam further stated that the operators and pilots should “exercise extreme caution during flight operations due to the risk to safety from small-arms, rocket-propelled grenades, mortars, anti-aircraft fire and shoulder-fired, man-portable air defense systems (manpads)”.

There is a thread on the security situation on the HUBB Sahara forum:
Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB - Search Results


While it is an overland travelers forum rather than aviation focused, I think you will find it a good overview, most of the posters there actually know what they are talking about (as opposed to some other esteemed forums...)

It has been a while, but the only time I landed in Mali they wanted a $10,000 landing fee, in cash.
Had to sit down a drink tea with the airport manager and talked my way out of it.
Never heard a thing about it later. :rolleyes:

I never had any problems in Bamako. Corrupt officials are just a fact of being based in most countries in Africa sadly.

Mali has undoubtedly been less safe since the 2012 coup and the Touareg rebellion, but no worse than many countries in the third world and considerably better than some. Terrorist groups like AQIM, Mujao and Ansar Dine will always target expensive locations with high concentrations of expats or UN workers like international hotels. I always try to 'fly below the radar' and go to local places of entertainment with local friends. Had a few muggings, but nothing too bad as long as you accept it as part of life in 'interesting places'. Have fun :ok:

The biggest danger in Africa is not terrorism or muggings - it is road travel. If you are injured in a crash you will not get any help - more likely you will just be robbed. If you are driving and injure a local - even if completely not your fault - you will be blamed and likely lynched. The standards of driving in most countries of Africa is appalling because there is no training or testing and to obtain a licence you just have to bribe an official, so driving is a constant risk.

We do almost daily operations to Bamako, Gao, Moti, and Timbuktu. Like anywhere on the continent, over confidence or lack of planning will get you hurt. Northern Mali is flyable but does need some extra effort put into it. PM me if you're serious about flying there or have specific questions. Dan