Namibian aviation: Privilege over safety

In an industry that is centred on safety and is costly to enter, nothing appears to be made easier for the less fortunate. Aviation is an expensive career option to start with: a normal private pilot licence (PPL) costs at least NAD260 000, which does not even guarantee employment as you are not set to be remunerated under the said licence.

To be remunerated in the career of flying an aircraft, one has to study and train to obtain a commercial pilot's licence (CPL), which initially costs around NAD860 000 to obtain. As time and experience progress, pilots can upgrade to an airline transport pilot's licence (ATPL) for operating larger aircraft and advancing in the airline flying business.

Pilot training costs are based on the hour and are influenced by factors such as fuel prices, the scarcity of aircraft, flight schools and training instructors. The charges can be around N$3 200 per hour (rate on a Cessna 172), in addition to other costs like medical, radiotelephony, and ground school fees.

After the closure of Air Namibia, many pilots remain jobless, while others are doing all sorts of low-paying jobs to keep afloat.

Considering the risks pilots undertake and the responsibility of carrying passengers onboard, they deserve significant rewards in terms of monetary compensation and other benefits.

Challenges faced

There are challenges in the sector that need attention to ensure that the opportunities within aviation remain attractive.

Aviation in Namibia is white-dominated, and there are signs of discrimination.

This creates loopholes that are often taken advantage of by privileged individuals who undermine new competitors in the industry.

This creates the perception that the new, non-white players are not as qualified to be in the industry. However, this is merely due to the inherited advantages at hand, and is creating a difficult atmosphere for the less fortunate. Most importantly, it is a major safety hazard as it creates the perception that safety can be bought, but in fact, safety is an attitude.

It is not uncommon to find a black pilot limited to clerk work while the privileged are given flight time. Consequently, those in privileged brackets accumulate more flying hours as they receive preference over others.

A recent fatal accident at Swakopmund airfield on 17 July, which claimed the lives of two fellow aviators (may their souls rest in peace), led to a case being opened for alleged fraud in the aircraft airworthiness documentation of the helicopter under the registration of V5-HGG. This is one of the classic examples of how safety is never worth compromising and can never be bought.

It has become evident that some aviation activities are taking place in uncontrolled environments without any oversight such as safety checks or random inspections, be they from the regulator, inspectors or the operators themselves. This poses a great risk and is a recipe for disaster.

Demoralising

It was at the Swakopmund Aerodrome where I, as a student in flight school, was involved in an incident on 1 May 2019. This incident resulted in a lawsuit against me for NAD2.2 million, which subsequently halted my flying career. The case lacked locus standi and received justice at the High Court. Currently, it is under appeal at the Supreme Court.

One might wonder what is truly transpiring in this industry and whether it is subject to adequate safety scrutiny.

The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) should zoom in more often, or else there will be more questions to answer in the future and perhaps a possible failure of future International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audits.

One can point to discrimination because of the signs and the sense of discomfort that is felt, which can be seen in cases like the one of Fly Etosha earlier this year and the now-awaiting judgment case of Menzies Aviation vs. Paragon Aviation/NAC.

Harmful tactics

It becomes evident that legal battles of this magnitude are brought to court to cause frustration to the defendant and demoralise them.

This is an old tactic often deployed by the privileged and is unfair to those who can't afford the legal expenses. How many have given up on the mere threat of getting fired from a job, losing a contract, or facing a law suit? This is a tactic disguised to keep many silent on critical issues that harm the majority and benefit the few. This is harmful to the development of any country and a danger because standards will be lost or demeaned in the mix and will eventually be determined by the dollar.

Now more than ever, there is a need for this sector to ensure that our airspace and its operators maintain top safety standards.

Aviation is a crucial sector as it not only attracts tourists to our beloved motherland but is also a job provider with vast untapped potential, especially with the recent oil discovery and other investment attractions opening up in Namibia.