The aviation industry in Africa is assuming increasing
importance as a means of movement for business and pleasure, and as
a development catalyst.
Based upon an analysis of audit results performed by USOAP,
there is evidence of a very strong relationship between 4 of the
critical elements and accident rates whilst being of medium value
for three others.
In order to effectively and substantially reduce accident rates,
given this indicative correlation, the AFI Region should commit to
a number of priorities. These include achieving improvements in the
overall level of implementation of the eight critical elements;
conducting effective surveillance over their aviation industry, and
enhance their ability to identify and resolve safety-related
concerns. The Region should equally strive to effectively implement
CE (Critical Element) 4, i.e. qualifications and training of
technical staff, which is an important prerequisite for the
implementation of the other CEs. Furthermore, the Region should
ensure that personnel and organizations performing aviation
activities meet established requirements before they are allowed to
exercise the privileges of a license, certificate, authorization
and/or approval.
Addressing Audit Results Through Regional Organizations And
Collaboration The level of aviation activity in most African States
is very low; and Africa averages at approximately only 3% of global
air transport activity. Hence many of the States do not and cannot
expect to generate adequate funds from aviation activities to meet
their international obligations relating to the establishment of an
effective and sustainable national safety oversight system, as well
as an effective and independent accident investigation agency. Thus
working together and the pooling of resources is expected to
produce effective results for the AFI region in terms of capacity
of States to improve safety.