MAF’s Head of Engineering in Liberia reflects on his three years with the programme and the legacy of talent in the hangar.
Dave Waterman, Avionics Manager and Head of Engineering at Mission Aviation Fellowship in Liberia, has departed the programme with great optimism about the future for his team.
He has been instrumental in advancing the maintenance capabilities at the local MAF base in the capital Monrovia, while also helping to keep MAF’s programme in Guinea flying.
“We’re now supporting both the Liberia programme from a maintenance perspective and also the Guinea programme as well. That’s a nice way to finish here, knowing that it can go forward in such a good way,” he said.
During his time in Liberia, Dave focused on equipping the hangar and building a solid foundation for maintenance operations. A major milestone was achieved through his role in developing Liberia’s National Engineer Training Scheme, which paved the way for Liberian engineers like James Kuma to pursue careers in aviation engineering.
“I’m thankful and amazed that we managed to do it, seeing James Kuma employed as part of the team and working toward his dream of becoming an aircraft engineer it is my greatest joy,” Dave said.
He also emphasised the core mission of MAF, underscoring that its purpose is rooted in service and faith.
Seeing James Kuma... working toward his dream of becoming an aircraft engineer it is my greatest joy.
“Our job here is to worship God in everything that we do,” he said. “Through that, we shine the light of Him everywhere.”
In his role as an engineer, Dave found great satisfaction in knowing that his team’s work contributed to bringing help, hope and healing to isolated communities in Liberia.
“We keep things going,” he explained. “The goal was to always keep an aircraft available, and we’ve achieved that in the last three years. The more we keep the aircraft operational, the more work can be enabled by our partners.”
As he said farewell to his workmates, Dave reflected on his three years with the programme.
“It’s been a real privilege to be here as part of the MAF Liberia team,” he added.
Our job here is to worship God in everything that we do, through that, we shine the light of Him everywhere.
“Though it’s a challenge to be leaving earlier than anticipated, life has its own timing, and sometimes we have to head off sooner than we expect.”
He knows the maintenance work is in good hands, with a hangar capable of looking after up to six aircraft, and a maintenance team positioned to meet the needs of Liberia and beyond.
“What MAF and God want to do with this work is out of my hands, but I’m grateful to have played my part in bringing success here,” he said.
