re: Danger in African Skies

Narainduth — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:11:53 GMT

It is regretful that the whole of African sky is being qualified as dangerous when this is not the case. In making such sweeping remarks the Author is doing a real disservice to all those African countries who always make of security in the air their top priority. Mauritius is a case in point. The country relies heavily on tourism and security of Tourists even in the air is the corner stone of Govt Policy.

It would make so much sense to be specific when talking of danger in the air and to quote examples of Countries in Africa who should be emulated by the others on the continent.

re: Danger in African Skies

Jetwhine — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:33:57 GMT

While the reader is correct that not all of Africa is unsafe, the trend is what has people concerned. It is not getting better, it is getting worse on the continent. And yes, that is a generalization, but if your country depends upon tourists - short of direct flight from the U.S. - those people may well connect in country.

But what also frightens many people is that the air traffic control system is inadequate with only a few exceptions. Did you know that most airplanes flying anywhere on the African continent monitor a common radio frequency - even while talking to ATC on another - just so they can continually announce their presence to other aircraft they think the local ATCs might miss.

Rob Mark