THE DANGER IN THE SKIES OF AFRICA

From: ENN DAILY INTELLIGENCE REPORT-ERRI Risk Assessment Services-Friday, July 4, 1997 Independence Day Vol. 3 - 185

THE DANGER IN THE SKIES OF AFRICA
By Steve Macko, ERRI Risk Analyst

Pilots and travelers alike are saying that the skies over Africa have become an adventure and downright dangerous. Many of the planes that are being used are old hand-me-downs, radio and radar coverage over huge areas are said to be non-existent and tight budgets and lack of training make maintenance spotty, at best.

One South African Airways co-pilot said, "There's a risk. I think the potential for an accident flying over Africa is increasing. We must start working to prevent that."

Travelers tell of war stories while flying African aircraft. How safe would you feel if you noted a rattling bulkhead plate that was missing a few bolts? How about being cooled off by a structural crack? And what about looking out that window and seeing an engine that looks about ready to drop off at first slight indication of turbulence? The hot African sun and dust take a heavy toll on the aircraft.

In the last few years, the number of airlines that service Africa has increased from about 20 to about 80. The problem is that technology on the dark continent has not kept pace. According to the International Federation of Airline Pilots, a large part of the region's airspace lacks radio communications and radar.

A member of the Airline Pilots Association of South Africa said, "There is a lot of congestion over Africa that wasn't there before. Facilities have not been upgraded. Pilots are not advised of air traffic in their vicinity. They might be flying on converging routes. They have to talk with each other to avoid serious incidents."

Another pilot said, "For instance, you can fly through Angola airspace for nearly 45 minutes and not speak to anybody there."

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration monitors the compliance of foreign governments with international air safety standards. The FAA recently found only two of eight African nations that it checked to be in compliance. That is the worst average of any region in the world. The FAA rated Ghana and South Africa to be satisfactory. The Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), Gambia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe were found not to be in compliance.

Some airlines are starting to take matters into their own hands. Airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa, South African Airways and Virgin Atlantic are giving countries that collect an estimated US$6 million a month in overflight fees an ultimatum. Either start using the collected money to upgrade facilities and training or allow airlines to "adopt" a country, train its personnel and upgrade its facilities and deduct the costs from the overflight fees.

Two airlines, each on opposite ends of the continent, Egypt Air and South African Airways have good reputations. The problems are the countries that lay in between. Safety, maintenance and even customer service are said to be, at best, spotty. The smaller airlines, including many national airlines, are unable to afford new jets. So what they do is go out and buy old aircraft from other airlines, which, for the most part, are near the end of their life expectancies.

Think that once you're on the ground, your troubles are over? Think again. Some African airports are fairly modern and can run smoothly. But in many countries luggage can be looted and taxi drivers are looking for travelers to scam. Underpaid officials and police in many of the countries are corrupt and may demand bribes.

Travelers must be made aware that the definition of a reserved seat sometimes will vary from country to country. It is not uncommon in Africa for a traveler to be issued a boarding pass, complete with a seat assignment, for a flight that is actually on a first-come, first-serve basis. ERRI will even give you a hint on what to look for -- your first clue will be that crowd massing at the boarding gate.

The best advice that can be given is to research your trip to Africa throughly and read the Aviation Information that is given in the ERRI World Situation Reports, and/or other reliable sources.

The ENN DAILY INTELLIGENCE REPORT is a subscription publication of the EmergencyNet NEWS Service, which is a part of the Chicago-based Emergency Response and Research Institute. This publication specializes in Security/Terrorism/Intelligence/ Military and National Security issues.

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