Ghana’s Presidential Jet Returns after Maintenance
Ghana’s Presidential Jet has returned from servicing in France after eight months, policy analyst Bright Simons has confirmed.
The 15-year-old jet, as part of maintenance, underwent extensive repairs relating to corrosion in the fuel tanks and right-hand wing lower panel, a leak test of the fuel tanks; a third engine ground run; painting of the wing lower panel; and an acceptance flight.
After observing public commentaries about the Falcon 900 Executive Aircraft, on its return, Bright recognises that a large number of Ghanaians aren’t convinced of the safety of the aircraft despite the fact that the manufacturer of the plane and a world-class maintenance facility were involved.
“Someone even said the President should use his “brother’s jet”, apparently nicknamed/call-signed “Dzata Jet”, instead.”
He affirmed that aviation decisions cannot be driven by emotions but by data and analysis.
“I am not sure the person is aware that the Dzata Jet is 25 years old. Whilst the Presidential jet is only 15 years old (the average age of planes in the Air Force One fleet – that carries the US President – is 35 years). Or that the Presidential jet has a max range almost 20% more than the Dzata Jet. Three engines instead of the two on the latter plane. And topline Honeywell avionics. Etc. In short, ‘feelings’ aren’t very useful in engaging with this kind of subject. One must be prepared to be driven by data and analysis.”
“Indeed, such decisions should be driven by transparent, thoughtful, and professional decision-making. At any rate, when the President flies commercial or any other plane instead of the Presidential Jet, the country relies on the word of a safety and maintenance crew not in the employ of the Republic of Ghana. People who have not been vetted by the state apparatus.”
At this point, he called for technical assistance for the Ghana Air Force to provide thorough professional advice in such situations.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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