WHAT COULD MAF’S FUTURE LOOK LIKE?

What could the future of MAF flights look like?

Mission Aviation Fellowship is continuing to explore innovative and sustainable solutions for delivering help, hope and healing in more than 30 countries worldwide.

Conversations are getting electric!

The electric revolution is happening quickly in the small aircraft world, and it’s closer than you think! Electric planes will become more common over the next few years, following a similar path of adoption to electric cars. MAF is watching this flying technology evolve with keen interest, along with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Countries like South Sudan could be ideally suited for electric flight because of insecurity in many areas where we operate, fuel costs and other operational obstacles.

UAVs, commonly known as drones, already have applications in health delivery, search and rescue and postdisaster relief to remote areas. In some locations within Africa, blood products and medicines are being delivered by drone. That sounds very similar to our mission!

Electric planes, using technology like magniX’s electric propulsion engines, have created a stir in the aircraft community, promising a healthier environment paired with better performance and low-cost maintenance.

Too good to be true?

As with all new technology, UAV and Electric Flight come with their own challenges. Most UAVs have limited cargo space, carrying weight and flying distance. This class of transport can also be costly. Compliance, certification with flight regulations, safety and security must be considered and met in every country for both airplanes and drones. Availability of electricity in remote areas and charge time between flights are also a

challenge. Battery technology is getting better as worldwide demand grows, but there are still gaps for long run times and durability. Steve Machell, a member of MAF’s Global Technology Working Group and MAF Chad Country Director, remarks, “It will be interesting to see how countries continue to innovate and adapt. Hopefully as new technologies develop they will reach a point where they become commercially viable for MAF.” “For the majority of the flying we do in MAF, the unprepared airstrips, the regulatory framework in most of our program countries and above all the current technological limitations mean that I don’t currently see “pilotless” aircraft being able to do what we do. Ask me again in 10 years!” Along with environmental factors, bringing down the total cost to transport goods and people is key.

A MagniX electric propulsion unit (EPU) (credit MagniX) Planning for the future

MAF Finland hosts a conference every year called Ecological and Electric Aviation. This year saw extended presentations on sustainable aviation, from electric engines to zeroemission aircraft using hydrogen fuel. Conversations are already happening about the Pipistrel Alpha Electro, a twoseat economical electric aircraft with a fast charge time. Currently registered as a recreational aircraft in Australia, this plane could be a great training tool for MAF’s organizational learning and development. MAF’s desire would be to join as an early adopter but not a leading-edge adopter. That means that MAF does not want to invest in the development of technology-but will consider purchasing once they have reached the production stage and meet our minimum requirements. MAF desires to engage technologies that advance our mission and accomplish our vision. We believe drones and electric planes may help us achieve it. It’s on the horizon, and we will trust in what God has in store for us, just as we always have! Steve Surgim Vice President of Innovation MAF Canada

Nick Hitchins has assumed responsibilities as Country Director in Timor-Leste (as well as maintaining his role as pilot). Congratulations Nick! Since arriving in Timor, Nick, Ruth and their children have survived floods and lockdowns—and Nick has had to fly in full PPE gear. We appreciate your hard work and commitment! Phil and Tania Sproul have completed their first months with MAF, based in Cairns, Australia. They are grateful for the provision of vehicles, a home and friendly neighbours. Tania is building a network and finding opportunities for pastoral care as well as occasionally helping at the Treetops Lodge, which provides accommodation for mission’s personnel. At the end of March Phil, in his role as Director of Technical Operations, had the opportunity to visit four of the East African programmes, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania to see the maintenance operations. He was able to hold invaluable discussions with staff and listen to the challenges and opportunities they see ahead. Phil then travelled to the Ashford Support Office in the UK for the first face-to-face meetings the Executive/ Operational Leadership team have been able to have for nearly three years!

We are excited to introduce you to our most recent volunteers. Before COVID-19, Philippa and Russell McLachlan would spend up to six months a year in Asia, teaching ESOL and sharing the gospel. In July 2021 they contacted MAF about possible volunteer opportunities—just as we received a desperate call from MAFI asking for teachers in PNG. Philippa, with a background in teaching, is now the temporary Principal at a Christian Grammar school in the highlands of PNG. Russell is helping out as needed. We are looking for more teachers like Philippa!

Hangin’ up the headset— after four trips to the moon and back

Rick and Lauryn Velvin have spent 30 years serving MAF together in various roles. Rick recalls, “When I think back over our time with MAF, there’s obviously the flying (equivalent of four return trips to the moon!) and the places we’ve been. But ultimately it comes down to the people we’ve met—people who have impressed us with their faith in God, their love for others and their insights into life. We’ve seen the reality of God in both tragedy and triumph, and along the way became better people. “Would we do it again? Absolutely!“

Congratulations, Minnie!

At her birthday party, Minnie Kendon, the wife of MAF founder Murray Kendon, said, “Well, I don’t feel 100! When we were in London after the war, Murray’s big vision for MAF just didn’t seem possible to me. I am so grateful to God and just wish Murray could be here to see how far MAF has come and the legacy that is now impacting thousands of people every day. MAF has done such a good job to continue and grow the vision over the last 75 years. But when I think back, my mind goes to the early days when we came out to New Zealand from England. In 1950 we drove around the South Island for six months, living in a caravan and visiting many churches to tell them about MAF.”

!!!!!NEWS FLASH!!!!!!

BE PART OF OUR VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR

MAF Global is hosting a “virtual conference” on Saturday 18 June for anyone interested in learning more about our vision and work. There will be booths that represent all our MAF offices around the world. Please come and visit us at the MAF New Zealand booth. You can ask questions, chat online with our Recruitment Manager, watch interviews with our staff and download information.

To register for the event, go to our website. Let your friends know about this event and don’t forget to put it in your diary!

WAYS TO GIVE TO MAF

Banks have phased out the use of cheques, but you can continue to support us via: Internet Banking

Contact the MAF office for your donor code to ensure a tax receipt. Credit Card

Call the MAF office or go to www.maf.org.nz. Automatic Payment

Call the MAF office for payment details.

Have you received your end of financial year receipt?

These have been emailed to you or posted. If you haven’t received yours yet please contact the office – but please check your email junk folder first.

For assistance with any of these matters, please contact us at: info@maf.org.nz or 0800 87 85 88.

LEAVE YOUR LEGACY

A gift to MAF in your will, whatever size, will make a real difference to the remote and isolated people we serve. Many MAF flights are made possible by gifts left in wills—and are a very important part of keeping MAF flying. Chat to your solicitor or, if you would like more information or a brochure, email us at info@maf.org.nz or go to our website: maf.org.nz/donate.

CALLING ALL TRUSTS

We love to connect with New Zealand trusts. If you are part of a Trust and would like to find out how you could support the work of MAF, contact our office. We will send you information that describes the positive impact our work has on isolated communities around the world and specific projects your Trust could get behind.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOK

Order your new all-digital Entertainment Book for 2022 and receive hundreds of valuable offers for everything you love to do—and help MAF at the same time. Go to our website to sign up.

MAF MERCHANDISE

You can purchase MAF gear on our website. Get your polarised Moana Road sunglasses (with MAF logo) and MAF caps. And we still have copies of Above and Beyond, a 256-page, fullcolour hardback book capturing 75 years of people, places and planes.

BE A SUPERHERO

Use your skills in areas like IT, aviation, management, logistics or teaching to make a real difference. We currently have many great opportunities in locations around the world to “be part of something bigger.” Go to our website for our most recent opportunities. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

FOUR GREAT OPPORTUNITIES IN PNG

Be part of the amazing team in Papua New Guinea. To find out more about any of these roles, contact us on: info@maf.org.nz

IT MANAGER

Are you an experienced IT Manager who is looking for the experience of a lifetime and is willing to join our team in PNG? This role will suit a self-motivated individual who has strong knowledge in software, network, hardware, cloud-based solutions and implementation of technology solutions.

SAFETY MANAGER

To ensure the safety of our operations in PNG, we are seeking a person who will implement and run Safety Management in our PNG (Mt Hagen) operation. This will involve helping the Regional Safety Managers develop and improve the systems and guide the PNG team in identifying and eliminating potential hazards.

HR MANAGER

If you have a desire to work with people and see staff developed and nurtured both professionally and spiritually then we have the role for you! Using your HR experience, you will manage the recruitment and induction of international and locally employed staff. You will also help develop and oversee effective HR policies, procedures and systems as well as the application and renewal processes for passports, work permits and visas.

ENGINEERING MANAGER

Join our program in PNG for a short-term period of two years! We have a critical need for an experienced, detail-orientated Engineering Manager to join our growing PNG team and play a key role in planning, managing and monitoring the engineering function. If you have at least five years’ experience, supervisory/management experience and an awareness of regional CASA regulations and advisory material please contact us!

QUALITY, SAFETY AND SECURITY MANAGER

Arnhem Land, Australia Be at the sharp end of bringing transformation to isolated communities! Do you have the skills to ensure the effective running of the Quality and Safety Management Systems within the Arnhem Land program? Help identify and eliminate potential hazards and threats in order to create a safe working environment. You must have a current legal right to work in Australia.

RECRUITMENT OFFICER

Cairns, Australia We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join our international HR team as a Recruitment Officer. You will assist our MAF Support Offices and overseas programs inrecruiting staff to meet the needs of our growing workforce. You will have a proven track record within recruitment or HR management and be comfortable managing a high workload and conflicting priorities.

MAF is an international Christian aviation organisation serving around 30 developing countries to reach people living in some of the world’s most isolated communities. Operating more than 120 light aircraft, MAF flies into 2,500 remote destinations, transporting essential medical care, food and water supplies, relief teams and church workers enabling physical and spiritual care to reach countless thousands of people cut off due to formidable geographical barriers, natural disasters and political unrest. Thank you for being a part of Mission Aviation Fellowship!

Cover photos by Dave Forney

Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, the One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26

PO Box 76502 Auckland 2241 New Zealand

0800 87 85 88 info@maf.org.nz maf.org.nz Flying for Life is the official magazine of Mission Aviation Fellowship NZ. Articles may be reprinted with acknowledgment. Editor: Tim Houghton Layout and Design: Creatipix Printing: Roe Print Services