Reaching out: Mission Aviation Fellowship was formed in 1951 when a group of returning Christian World War II aviators banded together with a vision to use their flying skills to serve isolated communities.
BY SALLY WILLOUGHBY
06 Sep, 2011 12:00 AM
MOST pilots would hesitate when faced with the job of navigating mountainous terrain, a narrow airstrip and foul weather.
But for Mission Aviation Fellowship pilots the difficult task is often a matter of life or death.
For 60 years the Australian branch of the Christian charity has used light planes to perform emergency medical evacuations and fly medical supplies, relief and development workers into some of the world's most remote regions.
The international organisation recently opened its national base at Bella Vista to manage the organisation's recruitment, promotion and fund-raisers.
Chief executive and former pilot Rob Owen, from Bella Vista, said the organisation's service was driven by Christians who wanted to "make a difference in the world".
He said despite the stark customary differences of the isolated communities they flew into, staff were always embraced by the locals.
"They're always very welcoming," Mr Owen said.
"I think they just know that when they need us, we will be there for them."
MAF Australia serves communities in Papua New Guinea, East Timor, Bangladesh and Arnhem Land that are often only accessible by plane. It can be a community's only link with the outside world.
Having flown with them for four years Mr Owen said each day was inspiring.
"There is great satisfaction in knowing you had helped someone."
Operations are funded by public and development agency donations and small contributions by service users.
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