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AMREF Air Ambulance Crash in Nairobi Kenya

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In a devastating turn of events, an AMREF Flying Doctors air ambulance , a Cessna Citation XLS with a registration 5Y-FDM , crashed into a residential neighborhood in Mwihoko, Kiambu County just outside Nairobi killing six people and injuring others. The twin-engine medical jet departed from Wilson Airport at approximately 2:14–2:17 PM local time on Thursday, bound for Hargeisa in Somaliland. Merely three minutes into the flight, the aircraft lost radio and radar contact with air traffic control. Citation XLS 5Y-FDM. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene: “The plane started burning while in the air,” one resident recounted, while another said the aircraft “passed by our building shaking it,” before crashing into a house. The impact and ensuing blaze claimed the lives of all four people aboard and two individuals inside the home. Rescue teams, including those from the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Defence Forces, National Police, and aviation authorities, rushed to the scene.  AMREF ...

Is it safe for pilots to fill paperwork during taxiing?

In professional aviation, time management and efficiency are critical. Pilots are expected to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, from managing flight systems to ensuring accurate documentation. One common situation that arises in both airline and corporate operations is whether the first officer (FO) can safely complete flight logs, load sheets, or other documents before takeoff. At first glance, it may seem like a harmless, time-saving task. But in reality, performing administrative work during the wrong phase of flight can create significant safety risks. This article explores the operational, regulatory, and human factors involved - providing a detailed guide for first officers and flight crews to manage this task without compromising safety.

Maintenance Support at JNIA-Dar es salaam

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Grounded in Dar es salaam? Here’s Who Can Get Your Aircraft Back in the Sky at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) Every hour your aircraft is grounded at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) costs money, disrupts schedules, and damages your brand. For airlines operating in Tanzania, waiting for technical support, spare parts, or foreign approvals can quickly turn a minor issue into a multi-day AOG crisis . y ou don’t need to look outside Tanzania for reliable aircraft maintenance . Right at JNIA, certified maintenance providers are offering fast, affordable, and OEM-aligned support — tailored to your fleet and flight frequency. Meet the maintenance providers keeping Tanzania´s aircraft flying These are TCAA-approved, fleet-specialized maintenance organizations (AMOs) currently operating within JNIA, ready to support local and foreign airlines without delay. 1. Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) Certification: TCAA AMO number TCAA/AI/CA/1.82 Location: Main hangars...

How to Practically Implement Outsourcing in Aircraft Maintenance

  How to Practically Implement Outsourcing in Aircraft Maintenance: A Step-by-Step Guide with Examples Outsourcing aircraft maintenance is not about giving up control—it's about gaining operational flexibility and technical expertise . But it must be done strategically. Here's a practical, step-by-step framework airlines can follow to outsource effectively: 1. Identify what to source Start by assessing your internal capabilities and limitations. You don’t have to outsource everything at once. Commonly outsourced maintenance activities: Line maintenance at outstations (where you don’t have a base) Heavy checks (C or D checks) that require special hangars and tools Component repair and overhaul Non-routine tasks like NDT (Non-Destructive Testing), avionics upgrades, or composite repairs Example: An airline based in Nairobi (Kenya) operates flights to Dubai, Johannesburg,  and Lusaka- Since it doesn´t have hangar space or technicians at these destinations, it outsources line...

Top 3 myths about outsourcing aviation maintenance in Africa

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Top 3 myths about outsourcing aviation maintenance in Africa In a fast-evolving aviation industry, African airlines are under pressure to reduce costs, improve reliability, and remain competitive on thin margins . One strategy that’s increasingly on the table is outsourcing aircraft maintenance,   but despite its growing global acceptance, it remains a misunderstood subject in many African contexts. Below are 3  common myths that continue to hinder progress,  and why it's time to reframe the conversation. Myth 1: Outsourcing means lower quality maintenance Many airlines hesitate to outsource due to a belief that external maintenance teams may not meet internal safety or quality standards. This is a myth rooted in fear, not facts . In reality, licensed MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul organizations) are often held to international standards, audited by regulators, OEMs, and clients alike. In Africa, several MROs hold approvals from EASA, FAA, and regional c...

Introducing SkyAI: Tanzania’s First AI-Driven Aviation Compliance Assistant

In an industry where regulatory compliance isn’t just a requirement—but a matter of safety and survival—aviation operators in Tanzania are often burdened with time-consuming, manual checks to stay in line with TCAA regulations. SkyAI: a cutting-edge solution built to revolutionize compliance in the Tanzanian aviation sector

What Makes Aircraft Leasing So Important in Aviation Today?

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In the global aviation industry, where aircraft acquisition costs can reach hundreds of millions of dollars, airlines must navigate a complex financial environment to grow and sustain operations. While outright purchase of aircraft was once the norm for major carriers, the increasing need for flexibility, cost efficiency, and fleet modernization has made aircraft leasing the dominant strategy in today’s market. As of 2025, over 50% of the world’s commercial aircraft fleet is leased. From budget carriers operating small regional jets to flag carriers flying long-haul widebodies, leasing has become central to modern airline strategy. But what exactly is aircraft leasing, and why is it so critical to aviation today? This article offers an in-depth examination of aircraft leasing: its types, advantages, and how it supports the operational, financial, and strategic needs of airlines around the world. 🔧 What Is Aircraft Leasing? Aircraft leasing is a financial and contractual arrangem...

How Long Do Aircraft Accident Investigations Take?

When an aircraft accident occurs, one of the first questions people ask is: "How long will the investigation take?" The answer isn’t simple. Aircraft accident investigations are highly technical, regulated processes that can take months—or even years—to complete. 🕒 Typical Timeline Most investigations unfold in several stages: Preliminary Report (First 30 Days): Within the first month, investigators usually release a preliminary report. This outlines basic facts—such as the aircraft type, flight path, weather conditions, and known data from the black boxes (if available). Final Report (6 Months to 2 Years): A full investigation typically takes between 6 months and 2 years, depending on the severity and complexity of the accident. Some of the accidents takes longer than that like the Ethiopian Airlines accident flight 302 it took over 45 month to complete a final report.  🛬 What Affects the Duration? Several factors can extend the timeline of an aircraft investigation: 1. Wr...

✈️ BREAKING: Air India Dreamliner Crashes Shortly After Takeoff from Ahmedabad – Multiple Casualties Feared

Ahmedabad, India | June 12, 2025 A catastrophic aviation disaster unfolded today when Air India Flight AI171 , a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner , crashed just minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London Gatwick. The aircraft, carrying 242 occupants including 12 crew members , encountered an emergency shortly after liftoff at 1:38 PM IST. According to Air Traffic Control sources, the pilot issued a "Mayday" distress call seconds before the aircraft lost altitude and slammed into the Meghani Nagar residential area, causing widespread destruction, heavy smoke, and panic. Local media reported 33 persons on the ground have been killed in the accident, with 1 of the flight passenger survived the crash. 🔥 Scene of Devastation Eyewitnesses described the crash site as a war zone. Multiple buildings were damaged, and emergency crews—including fire brigades, ambulances, and six NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) teams—were dispatched ...

Jet Blast: Understanding Hazards & Mitigation

Jet Blast: Unveiling the Invisible Threat Explore the hidden power, risks, and essential safety measures surrounding jet blast in airport operations. As air travel grows and aircraft engines become more powerful, understanding and mitigating jet blast becomes increasingly critical for airport safety, operational efficiency, and environmental harmony. Understanding Jet Blast Jet blast, the powerful exhaust from aircraft engines, is most intense during takeoff and high-power ground operations. Born from the rapid expulsion of superheated air, its immense kinetic energy is capable of moving large objects, causing structural damage, and creating hazardous conditions. This invisible force, though often underestimated, presents substantial risks if not meticulously managed, impacting everything from ground personnel safety to the integrity of nearby structures and equipment. ...

What we Know About Flight Turbulence

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Aircraft turbulence, defined as the irregular motion of air encountered during flight, is a common phenomenon in aviation. Often invisible to the naked eye, turbulence can arise from a variety of atmospheric conditions, including variations in air pressure, the presence of jet streams, airflow around mountainous terrain, the interaction of cold or warm weather fronts, and the dynamic environments associated with thunderstorms. The seemingly random occurrence of turbulence underscores the critical need for a comprehensive understanding of its characteristics and the development of effective safety measures. Although turbulence is considered a normal part of air travel and occurs with notable frequency, its potential to cause discomfort, operational disruptions, and, most importantly, injuries cannot be understated. The unpredictable jolts and shakes can significantly increase anxiety among passengers, especially those already apprehensive about flying. Furthermore, severe turbulence ca...

Blame Culture and Just Culture in Aviation Safety

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Safety is the number one priority in the aviation industry. With so many moving parts , from people and technology to the environment ,making sure everything runs safely is no small task. That’s why having a strong safety culture is so important. A safety culture means that everyone in an organization shares the same values and attitudes about putting safety first. The way a company handles safety issues, especially when mistakes happen, plays a big role in how safe things actually are. In this article, we’ll look at two different ways companies can respond to mistakes: blame culture and just culture . We’ll explain what they mean, how they affect safety in aviation, and explore how building a just culture can help make the skies even safer.  Blame Culture in Aviation: A blame culture in aviation safety can be defined as an organizational environment where the primary response to incidents, errors, or near misses is to identify and punish the individuals perceived to be direc...

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