BYLAWS

PREAMBLE

 

MENASASI is the Middle East and North Africa Society of Air Safety Investigators.  It is a chapter of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI).
MENASASI was established in 2013 to follow the basic principles of ISASI. The Society is a regional non-profit organization, dedicated to the advancement of air safety investigation in the MENA (Middle East & North Africa) region through the exchange of ideas, experiences and information acquired in aircraft accident and incident investigation, following the ISASI motto of “Safety Through Investigation”.

ARTICLE I GENERAL

 

1. NAME

The name of this organization is “THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA SOCIETY OF AIR SAFETY INVESTIGATORS”. The official abbreviation is MENASASI, and the organization will hereinafter be referred to as MENASASI.

2. DEFINITION OF NAME

An “Air Safety Investigator” is a person who is or has been actively engaged in the investigation of aircraft accidents or incidents or in accident prevention activities designed to identify, eliminate or control aviation hazards before they result in accidents or incidents.

3. OFFICIAL SEAL

The official seal will be kept in the custody of the Secretary of MENASASI.

4. MENASASI EMBLEM

The official MENASASI emblem is:

5. MOTTO

The official motto of MENASASI is: “SAFETY THROUGH INVESTIGATION”

 

ARTICLE II PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE

 

1. PURPOSE

MENASASI is organized to promote the development and of aviation accident and incident investigation as well as to enhance aircraft accident prevention activities.

2. OBJECTIVE

In furtherance of the purpose, MENASASI shall endeavor to:

  • Promote regional development and improvement of aviation accident and incident investigation as well enhancing accident prevention activities and the improvement of investigation techniques. Moreover, MENASASI will provide professional education through lectures, displays and presentations and by the free exchange of information concerning the development of aircraft accident and incident investigation. This will include holding regional meetings and seminars.
  • Enhance aviation safety through the continuing development and improvement of investigation techniques.

3. THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION (ICAO)

MENASASI pledges its support to ICAO in its role in aircraft accident investigation and prevention.

4. OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

MENASASI will cooperate with such other international organizations as shall be approved by the ISASI Board of Directors for the purpose of furthering the mutual interests of the members of MENASASI. To this end the Board of Directors may enter into a reciprocal agreement of mutual cooperation with such an approved organization.

5. POLITICAL ACTIVITIES

MENASASI will not participate in any political activity. No member or other person may represent MENASASI without the written permission of the MENASASI Board Chair / Chairman.

ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP

 

1. ELIGIBILITY

Individuals of all nations of the MENA region shall be eligible to join ISASI as a MENASASI member in the membership classification for which they qualify.

  • Application for membership in ISASI must be in writing. All applicants shall state and agree that, if accepted for membership, they will comply with the Bylaws, rules, regulations and Code of Ethics and Conduct of ISASI. They shall also agree that, if for any cause their membership in ISASI shall terminate, their rights, title and interest in or to ISASI shall cease.
  • Individuals and organizations shall be admitted to membership in ISASI in accordance with the regulations established in the Bylaws. No member may assign his or her membership or any right arising therefrom except as otherwise provided by the by-laws.
  • MENASASI may accept applications and monies from prospective members of their organizations. They shall review the applications and forward them, along with their recommendations and membership classification, initiation fees and dues, to ISASI for acceptance. The ISASI Membership Chairman will ensure that the applications are processed and that the appropriate identification card, certificate and lapel pin are forwarded to the member on acceptance.
  • Members may limit their membership to ISASI only and thus forego Regional, National or Local Chapter affiliation, where applicable.
  • If a non-resident of MENA region states wishes to become a member of MENASASI Chapter, acceptance of his/her application will be subject to evaluation of MENASASI Membership Director and the endorsement of MENASASI Board.

2. CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP

Membership in ISASI comprises nine classes as follows:

  • Life Member – A modification to the member’s basic membership class upon achieving the age of seventy-five (75) years, following at least ten (10) years’ continuous membership prior to eligibility. The applicant can only receive a digital copy of the Forum. This change is effective for birthdays after January 1, 2023.
  • Charter Member – A member or Corporate Member whose initial membership date in the Society of Air Safety Investigators predates June 30, 1965.
  • Honorary Member – Any person, not a member of ISASI, who has made an outstanding contribution to aviation safety or accident investigation.
  • Fellow – An elected senior membership class established to recognize extraordinary professional achievement and contribution to ISASI.
  • Member – A professional membership class requiring at least 3 years’ active experience as an air safety investigator.
  • Associate Member – A professional membership class for Air Safety Investigators who do not yet fulfill the requirements for Member.
  • Affiliate Member – A public, non-professional membership class for persons who support ISASI’s goals and objectives.
  • Student Member – A membership class for students who support ISASI’s goals and objectives.
  • Corporate Member – Any organization which has an interest in the safety of flight.
  • Complete, detailed criteria for eligibility for the various classes of membership are established by the ISASI Board of Directors and published to the members whenever changes are enacted. They are also published in the Board’s Policy Manual, as well as in an Amendment to ISASI’s Application for Membership.

3. ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE

Members who are in good standing are eligible for election as Board Executive members, or Directors. Associate Members, Affiliate Members, Honorary Members and Corporate Member representatives are not eligible for positions as Board Executive members, or Directors of MENASASI.

4. VOTING RIGHTS

All members in good standing, except Affiliate Members, Student Members, Honorary Members, and Life Members whose class is Affiliate, or Honorary shall be entitled to vote.
Delegations authorizing a voting member to vote for an absent member shall be signed and submitted to the Secretary/Treasurer in advance of any meeting.

5. WAIVER OF CLAIM

Any member of MENASASI, who or which ceases to be a member for any cause, shall be deemed expressly to have waived all further right, title and interest of membership, and also expressly to have waived all claims to recover fees or charges paid to ISASI. By application for membership, each member expressly agrees to such waiver of claims.

6. REINSTATEMENT

Any member who has been removed from the MENASASI membership roll for non-payment of dues may be reinstated if reinstated as a member of ISASI in accordance with current ISASI policy.

7. REPRIMAND, SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION

A member of MENASASI shall be subject to reprimand, suspension or expulsion by the Board of Directors for unethical professional behavior contrary to the Code of Ethics and Conduct of ISASI. This shall be accomplished by majority vote of the Board.

ARTICLE IV INITIATION FEES, DUES AND ASSESSMENTS

 

1. INITIATION FEES

The initiation fee for Members, Associate Members, Affiliate Members and Corporate Members shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

2. DUES

Members of all classes, except Honorary and Life Members, shall pay annual dues on or before the first day of January each year. The annual dues shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

3. ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT

Additional assessments, if required by unusual circumstances, may be levied by:

  • The ISASI International Council.
  • MENASASI Board.

4. CONTRIBUTIONS

In addition to the payment of annual dues and assessments, any member may make special contributions or gifts of money or property to MENASASI provided the acceptance of such a gift is approved by the Board.

5. FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of MENASASI is the calendar year.

6. COLLECTION OF DUES AND ASSESSMENTS

The International Council has the final responsibility for establishing and maintaining the policy relating to the collection of dues and assessments. However, when such action is desirable, the Council may delegate MENASASI the authority to collect monies owed to ISASI. This authority may be revoked at any time by the Council when such action is considered to be in the best interest of ISASI.

ARTICLE V BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

1. GENERAL

The Governing body of MENASASI shall be known as the Board of Directors, referred to herein as the Board. It shall comprise five (5) Executives and a number of Directors. The Executives shall be made up of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, and Executive Advisor. The Executive Advisor will be the immediate Past Chairman. MENASASI Board of Directors may be members of Accident Investigation Authorities, Civil Aviation Authorities, Airlines, and may also include representatives from the aviation industry confirming to Article 3.3 of the Bylaws

2. ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

The Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary shall be elected every three (3) years. A ballot shall be made available to the eligible voting membership upon the closing of nominations. A minimum of sixty (60) days shall elapse between the opening and closing of the voting period. The Executive Advisor shall be the immediate past Chairman in accordance with 5.1 of this Article. The Executive members shall serve a three-year term or until their successors are qualified and appointed.

  • MENASASI Directors shall be appointed for a period of three years. The procedure for selecting these Directors shall be consistent with the MENASASI Bylaws

3. TERM OF OFFICE

All members of the Board of Directors shall hold office for a period of three years. In the event an unpredicted vacancy occurs, such vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the term by the Board acting in a manner it considers most appropriate to the circumstances. All members of the Board shall serve terms which begin and terminate simultaneously every three years.

4. MEETINGS

Meetings of the Board of Directors will be held at regular intervals at a time and place designated by the Chairman. Members of the Board are to be notified at least thirty (30) days prior regarding the time and place of the meeting. Special Meetings may be called by the Chairman, or by twenty (20) percent of the voting membership, or by a majority of the Board of Directors. Notice of Special Meetings shall be given at least fifteen (15) days prior to the said meeting.

5. REMUNERATION

No member of ISASI / MENASASI shall receive or accept a salary or other form of remuneration for work performed for or on behalf of ISASI / MENASASI except as authorized by the Board of Directors. However, actual and reasonable expenses incurred by Executives, Directors, Representatives and Employees while on ISASI / MENASASI business, dependent on the nature of such business shall be reimbursed by MENASASI. Prior written approval for such expenditures must be obtained from the Chairman and the Treasurer.

6. BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Minutes of Board of Directors meetings shall be retained in the MENASASI office and available to all members on the MENASASI website within 30 days of the motion to adopt the minutes.

ARTICLE VI ORGANIZATION

 

1. HEADQUARTERS LOCATION

The Headquarters of MENASASI shall be located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

2. ORGANIZATION

The MENASASI will consist of Board Executive Members, Board Directors, individual members, and Corporate Members.

ARTICLE VII GOVERNANCE

 

1. OFFICERS

The Officers of MENASASI shall be the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Executive Advisor, Treasurer and the Secretary who shall constitute the Executive Board of Directors of MENASASI. A full member of MENASASI shall be elected as the MENA Region Board Member on the MENASASI Board, The Board Member shall be a non-voting member of the Executive Board, except where he or she holds another office concurrently.

2. HOW ELECTED

The Executive Board of Directors shall be elected by any means approved by the Board, to be distributed to the eligible voting membership upon closing of term nominations. The candidate for each office receiving a majority of the votes shall be declared elected.

3. TERM OF OFFICE

Officers shall serve for a term of three years without remuneration of any kind. However, any Board Member of MENASASI may be removed from office prior to the completion of his or her term upon petition to that effect of any five (5) members holding voting rights, duly confirmed by a majority of the voting members of MENASASI. Such petition shall be acted upon within thirty (30) days by the executive who shall submit such petition to a postal ballot of the members holding rights within thirty (30) days of the receipt of such a petition.

4. MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION OF POLICY 

The Board of Directors shall establish the policies and supervise the management and control of MENASASI affairs, funds and property.

5. POLICY APPROVAL

At least half the members of the Board of Directors or their proxies shall be required for a quorum at any meeting of the Board.

6. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHAIRMAN

The Chairman shall represent MENASASI at official functions, he/she shall preside at all annual and special conferences and at all meetings of the Board of Directors. While coordinating the activities of MENASASI he/she shall carry out the policies of the Board.
He/She shall be a non-voting member of the Board of Directors except he/she shall cast a vote in case of a tie. He/She shall not be a member of the Nominating Committee. He/She shall be a non-voting member of all other committees, except he/she shall be permitted to vote in case of a tie. He/She shall be responsible for the selection of MENASASI representatives at all external meetings, panels, committees, and working groups.

7. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE ADVISOR

The Executive Advisor shall serve in a consultant capacity, such that the Board may benefit from his/her experience as immediate past Chairman. The Executive Advisor shall be a voting member of the Board.

8. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE VICE CHAIRMAN

The Vice Chairman shall perform the duties of the Chairman in the absence or disability of the latter. In the case of a vacancy in the office of Chairman by death, resignation or any other reason, the Vice Chairman shall assume the duties of the Chairman until a successor is chosen.

9. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TREASURER

The Treasurer shall maintain accurate records of the business and financial affairs of MENASASI, and receivable funds are received, disbursed or invested in accordance with the procedures established by the Bylaws and the Board of Directors and in coordination with ISASI Treasurer and Administrator. The accounting system used shall conform to modern accounting practices. The Treasurer shall present a biannual financial report to the Board.

10. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SECRETARY

The Secretary shall function under the jurisdiction of the Chairman in carrying out the policies of the Board of Directors. He/She shall act as custodian of the MENASASI documents, contracts, and general records other than those required to be kept by the Treasurer. He/she shall be responsible for keeping minutes of the Board meetings. The Secretary shall ensure that elections are conducted in compliance with section 5.2. Additional responsibilities include:

  • Send invitations and notifications for board meetings, annual general meetings, and other chapter events to all relevant parties.
  • Manage all administrative tasks related to the chapter, including maintaining accurate records of meetings, decisions, and actions taken by the board.
  • Keep track of deadlines and follow up with board members on assigned tasks and responsibilities to ensure timely completion.
  • Maintain and update the chapter’s membership database, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality of member information.
  • Assist in preparing annual budgets, financial reports, and other necessary documentation for the chapter.
  • Coordinate logistics for chapter meetings, events, and conferences, including venue selection, registration, and travel arrangements for speakers or special guests.
  • Serve as a liaison between the chapter and ISASI headquarters, ensuring timely communication and compliance with ISASI policies and guidelines.
  • Maintain the chapter’s official documents, such as bylaws, policies, and procedures, and ensure they are easily accessible to board members and chapter members as needed.
  • Prepare and circulate agendas, supporting materials and minutes for all Board and member meetings.
  • Manage MENASASI’s document retention system, ensuring all official records are properly stored, organized and backed up.
  • Coordinate travel arrangements, visa applications and other logistics for Board members or invited speakers attending MENASASI events.
  • Liaise with ISASI headquarters to ensure alignment on policies, share best practices, and explore opportunities for collaboration between MENASASI and other regional chapters.
  • Monitor relevant aviation safety regulations, industry trends and investigation best practices, briefing the Board on significant developments.
  • Oversee the MENASASI annual awards program, including promotion, nomination, selection and presentation.
  • Conduct surveys of MENASASI members to gather feedback and ideas to continuously improve member services and benefits.
  • Prepare MENASASI’s annual report highlighting key accomplishments, member statistics, financial performance and future plans.

11. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTORS

Board members are either appointed by their member state or elected by their state voting members, as indicated in Article 5.2.1. Each of the Board Members has a vote on the Board of Directors. Additional responsibilities include:

  • Actively participate in board meetings, discussions, and decision-making processes.
  • Manage the review process for working papers submitted to the chapter, ensuring their quality and relevance to its objectives.
  • Oversee and contribute to the chapter’s communication and social media platforms, such as the website, newsletter, and social media accounts, to engage with members and promote the chapter’s activities.
  • Represent the chapter at relevant industry events, conferences, and meetings to enhance the chapter’s visibility and network with other professionals.
  • Serve on committees or task forces as needed to address specific issues or initiatives.
  • Collaborate with other board members and the secretariat to develop and implement strategies for growing the chapter’s membership and enhancing its impact in the region.
  • Serve as liaisons to assigned MENASASI committees, providing guidance, oversight and regular updates to the Board on committee activities and progress.
  • Actively engage with MENA region aviation stakeholders to promote MENASASI’s mission, recruit new members, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
  • Contribute articles, insights or interviews to the MENASASI newsletter and website on relevant air safety investigation topics.
  • Mentor and guide newer or less experienced MENASASI members to help them develop as air safety investigators.
  • Review and provide feedback on technical papers, presentations and other educational content developed by MENASASI members.
  • Assist in planning and executing MENASASI’s annual seminar and any other training events or workshops.

12. BUDGET

On or before the beginning of each fiscal year, the Board shall prepare and approve a budget based on estimated income and expense for the ensuing year. Subsequently, no obligations will be incurred, nor any funds expended in excess of the amounts provided in the budget without special approval of the Board Members. Additional limitations and policy will be defined by the Board.

13. DEPOSITS

All MENASASI funds shall be deposited to the credit of MENASASI in such banks, trust companies, or other depositions as the Treasurer may selectin coordination with ISASI Treasurer and the endorsement of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VIII COMMITTEES

 

1. GENERAL

The Chairman shall appoint Chairpersons of the committees listed below to implement the governance of MENASASI, and to carry out its aims and objectives. The terms of service will be three years concurrent with the term of the Chairman. The Chairman shall be an ex- officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee. The size and detailed responsibilities of each committee will be defined by the Board. In all cases, members appointed to the Committees shall serve without remuneration.

2. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

“Membership Committee” means the ISASI membership committee. All applications for membership, upgrade and reinstatement are made directly to ISASI.
MENASASI committee shall review all individual and corporate applications for membership relating to eligibility and assignment of membership classification. Upon approval, they will endorse the nomination and forward it to ISASI Administrator and Membership Committee for processing. The ISASI Membership Committee will review and act upon all members requests for change in membership status and reinstatements. The MENASASI committee will ensure that MENA regional affiliated membership records are maintained.

3. AUDIT COMMITTEE

MENASASI Executive Board including Treasurer shall cooperate with ISASI Treasurer and Administrator for any matters / clarification related to MENASASI before, during, or after an audit is carried out.

4. SEMINAR COMMITTEE

The Seminar Committee shall act to ensure the successful conduct of future seminars. It shall develop, clarify and standardize seminar guidelines, for approval by Board; assure proper agreements specifying what Local Seminar Committees and MENASASI are obligated to do to comply with ISASI Policy and Seminar Guidelines; support the work of the Local Seminar Committee; assure timely post-seminar reports; and provide Local Seminar Committees with data support.

5. NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The Nominating Committee shall consider the qualifications of candidates and prepare nominations for the Directors to be elected. The Chairperson of the Nominating Committee shall notify the Secretary of the names of such nominees, which shall be placed on the ballot. This committee shall also make recommendations of a general and non-binding nature to the incoming Chairman regarding committee chairmen.

6. BALLOT CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE

The Ballot Certification Committee shall review the results of the biennial election and report its findings to the Board of Directors. The Committee shall also verify the integrity of the election process.

7. BYLAWS COMMITTEE

The Bylaws Committee shall be responsible for reviewing the Bylaws of MENASASI and recommending revisions to Board. In addition, the Committee shall review and consider all proposed amendments submitted to the Committee by any member in good standing.

8. CODE OF ETHICS COMMITTEE

The Committee shall be responsible for reviewing alleged member violations of the MENASASI Code of Ethics. The Committee’s processes and its findings in referred cases shall be confidential. The Committee shall also review other ethics and personal conduct matters as required and report their findings to the Chairman.

9. VOLUNTEERS PROGRAM COMMITTEE 

The committee shall be responsible to develop a volunteer program to attract air safety investigators and enthusiasts to become full members and participate effectively in MENASASI functions.

10. SPECIAL COMMITTEES

The Chairman may create and name special committees as necessary and the term for any special committee will end upon completion of the committee’s specific assignment.

ARTICLE IX – FEES AND DUES

 

1. DUES

MENASASI does not levy any fees or dues on members of MENASASI, but additional dues may be levied, collected and retained for use by MENASASI.

2. ANNUAL ISASI DUES

All annual dues administration is managed directly by ISASI. Members’ payments are made electronically either via ISASI’s secure membership website or by direct credit.

3. ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENTS

MENASASI may, at its discretion, levy supplemental assessments for the purpose of meeting non-budgeted expenses. Such supplemental assessments may not be levied more than once per annum.

4. CONTRIBUTIONS

Special contributions or gifts of money or property may be accepted by MENASASI to achieve its stated purpose.

ARTICLE X MEETINGS

 

1. ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

The Board of Directors shall, through the Chairman, present at the Annual Business Meeting of members a report from the Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Directors, and the Chairpersons of all Committees. This will include the Nominating Committee report in alternate years.

  • Installation of Directors – In an election year the installation of the MENASASI Directors will be held at this meeting.
  • Location – MENASASI shall hold an Annual Business Meeting at least once per calendar year and this will normally be held in conjunction with the MENASASI Seminar unless otherwise determined by the Board; and in any event not more than fifteen months after the holding of the preceding Annual Business Meeting.

2. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

Special General Meetings may be called at any time by the Board of Directors or shall be called by the Chairman upon receiving a written request from at least twenty-five percent of the voting membership. Notice in writing of each special meeting shall be mailed to all members at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of this meeting and shall state the purpose for which it is called. No business shall be discussed other than that for which the meeting was called.

3. MOTIONS

Every motion that shall come before an MENASASI meeting, the Board of Directors or any other committee, shall be decided by a majority of the votes cast, unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws.

4. QUORUM

Twenty percent of the voting membership or twenty-five (25) voting members whichever is less shall constitute a quorum at either annual or special meetings of the membership.

5. MEETING ATTENDANCE

Attendance at educational meetings, seminar and technical presentations of MENASASI shall be unlimited unless otherwise directed by the Board. Attendance at the Annual Business Meeting and Special Business Meetings shall be limited to MENASASI membership.

6. RESPONSIBILITY FOR STATEMENTS

All statements on behalf of MENASASI must be authorized by the Board. The Chairman or his/her appointed representative, are the only persons authorized to issue statements on behalf of MENASASI. Statements made by speakers or authors are not to be construed as representing the opinion of MENASASI. MENASASI shall not be responsible for any statement or opinion given in papers or in discussions at meetings unless such statements have been authorized in writing by the MENASASI Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XI COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC STATEMENTS

 

1. NEWSLETTER

MENASASI will publish an official newsletter with not less than three issues per year. Subscriptions to this publication will not be limited to MENASASI members. Subscription rates for non-members will be determined by the Board of Directors.

2. OFFICIAL WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA

  • The website www.menasasi.org is the official communication channel for MENASASI with members, non-members, and public. The chairman may elect to appoint a committee to oversee and maintain the website content in accordance with article 8.9 of this BYLAWS document.
  • Contents update is a voluntarily task coordinated and controlled by the MENASASI Chairman, news feed and update to flow as frequent as possible from all members.
  • Aviation safety news feed to be coordinated with industry giants and region air carriers and aviation service operators.

ARTICLE XII RULES OF POLICY AND PROCEDURE

 

1. GENERAL POLICY

The Board of Directors may adopt such rules of policy and procedures as it may deem necessary in order to implement and carry out the authority conferred upon it under these bylaws.

2. BYLAW AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended, repealed or altered in whole or in part by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the membership voting. Voting shall be by ballot made available to all eligible voting members. A minimum of sixty (60) days shall expire between the opening and closing of the voting period.

ARTICLE XIII DISSOLUTION

 

MENASASI may be dissolved by a vote of members voting at a general meeting called on not less than fourteen (14) days’ notice by a notice specifying that the purpose of the meeting is the matter of dissolution. After all liabilities and obligations of MENASASI have been paid and satisfied, any physical assets shall be realized, and all remaining funds of MENASASI shall be distributed to one or more scientific or educational institutions as determined by a general meeting or by the Executive Board of Directors