WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME A MAF PILOT Story by Tim Houghton with major contributions by Olivia Monk (Recruitment Manager) and Mark Fox (CEO)
On Saturday pilots Mike and Mary heard about MAF at an airshow. Two weeks later they were soaring above PNG, serving MAF and … wait! Time out! Reality check! The average journey to joining MAF takes between one and two years and is a challenging one. MAF pilots need the ability to respond in situations not faced by many pilots in the world—and to do so they need specialist training and preparation. It takes determination and commitment—and the prayers and support of friends, family and church. Knowing this, MAF NZ supports and mentors potential pilots through the recruitment process. This is a step-by-step look at what it takes to become a pilot with MAF.
arrow-alt-circle-right Initial Contact Some pilots have known since they were young that they want to fly
with MAF. Others hear about MAF for the first time at an airshow, through our website or a church presentation. When they contact us information is sent that provides a general overview of the steps to becoming a MAF pilot. If, having read this, the pilot wants to go ahead, an initial interview is set up in order for both parties to find out more about each other.
arrow-alt-circle-right The Initial Interview This evaluates the applicant’s level of interest and identifies their motivation for wanting to fly with MAF. (MAF offers some of the most challenging flying in the world, and we need to be sure that people are not applying just for “the pg 8
adventure” or to build up their flying experience). By the end of the interview it is usually clear whether it will be appropriate to formally start the application process.
arrow-alt-circle-right Application Process If it’s “thumbs up,” the pilot is encouraged to go to our website and create a profile on the MAF Careers page, and an application form is sent via link so he or she can formally apply for MAF. If married, both husband and wife apply. The application form includes questions about church involvement, family life, personal history and thoughts on living in a developing nation. (Some people have a romantic, “Indiana Jones” view of living overseas!) The application form is reviewed to identify any areas that need follow up, and a criminal history check is
