The men and women who fly MAF’s aircraft to remote areas in Papua New Guinea kept their feet on the ground for an annual gathering.
Story by Mandy Glass
MAF’s flying in PNG was put on a brief pause so that pilots could assemble in one place for essential training, encouragement and to focus on efficiently serving isolated communities.
The annual meeting brought pilots together from across MAF’s various bases across the country with 16 MAF personnel, including 13 pilots, arriving at SIL’s training centre at Ukarumpa to discuss key topics.
According to Arjan Paas, MAF PNG’s Flight Operations Manager, the meeting is an important opportunity to reconnect.
“We are spread out over the whole country of PNG, and it’s not so often that we see each other,” Arjan explained. “This is a great time to meet, fellowship, and enjoy time together.”
One of the best things about the pilots' meeting is getting together with all the other pilots.
The meeting’s theme, stewardship, highlighted how MAF can best utilise its resources to serve the people of PNG.
Arjan noted, “We looked into how we can be more efficient with the resources we have so that, without making people work harder, we can achieve more and serve more people of PNG.”
Brad Venter, General Manager of Aviation, praised the pilots’ dedication, highlighting that they exceeded flight hour expectations over the past year.
"We’re so proud of them," he said. "We spoke about stewardship responsibility and many things we can take into 2025 to improve our program.”
For many pilots, the meeting is a once in a year chance to connect and share experiences. Bridget Ingham appreciated the discussions.
“One of the best things about the pilots' meeting is getting together with all the other pilots,” Bridget said. “We don’t see each other all that often, so it’s a great time to connect.”
The meeting also offered an opportunity for new pilots to engage with experienced professionals.
David Pearce, MAF’s International Manager Flight Standards, said the event helped strengthen connections.
“It’s been great connecting with the team,” David said. “They’re doing amazing work, and it’s been wonderful to get to know them personally.”
A key part of each year’s meeting is the practical training on emergency procedures, this time led by pilot Joseph Tua.
“This year, we focused on what to do in the event of an engine failure and a crash into the jungles in the middle of nowhere and with patients on board,” Joseph explained. He was impressed by how the pilots handled the scenarios.
“The conversation continued around how you survive, how you use your survival equipment, how you use your flares, and everything that you have available in your first aid kit.
“It turned out to be a really good exercise and a good refresher for all of us.”
Joel Rominger, a pilot based in Balimo, highlighted the spiritual component of the meeting.
"The spiritual time we had, starting each morning with devotions and worship, was really great," Joel shared.
“For me, being based in Balimo, it was exciting to hear about future plans for the station.”