After months of licence conversion, exams, flight checks and a period of supervision, MAF pilot Roshan Stephen set off on his first day of solo ops in the Cessna 206.
“Solo flights are very special,” said Roshan Stephen, from Chennai, India. “Not just to new student pilots but also for us at MAF. I was sent for my first solo flight into the bush to fly a medical team to bring aid to people in the remote village of Gorimba.”
But Roshan’s first day solo was not without curveballs.
“The day started like any other. I didn’t feel like it was a special day – I just knew I had a job to do.
“During my preflight inspection I noticed there was a leak in fuel flow. I knew that was a ‘no go’.”
Since Roshan’s medical ‘safari’ flight took priority, he had the rare opportunity to change to another available aircraft.
“Obviously, that meant I had to do a preflight all over again,” Roshan said.
Upon his return to Haydom airstrip, Roshan was met by his colleagues and was appreciated with a traditional dowsing of cool water. He has since taken on regular operations in the programme along with the three other pilots.
I think over time God has actually taught me patience through it.
“As a new MAF pilot, I had a long checklist to clear: a medical, standardisation for a month in Uganda, conversion of my licence to a Tanzanian one, some exams, a route- and a base check and some supervised operations prior to my first solo flight.”
Mark Liprini, Chief Pilot for MAF in Tanzania, was impressed by Roshan’s positive demeanour the whole way through the training.
“He’s had a couple of tough setbacks and there’s been delay after delay. I think there are many guys who would have given up and gone home. But he has kept his trust in God, pushing ahead with a cheerful approach. It's a testimony to his incredible character.”
“I thought things would happen a little faster,” said Roshan. “I was already coming in with a licence from two countries, so I thought getting my third one was going to be a walk in the park.
Having seen endless new pilots enter MAF programmes in Africa over two decades of dedicated flying for MAF, Mark still allows each pilot to leave an impact.
“I've learned much from watching Roshan, the way he has poured himself into the ministry and work of MAF, committed to becoming the best pilot he can.
“He's got a lovely personality – he just clicks with the guys on the field, joking with them and interacting with the mamas. Seeing him play soccer with the children by the side of the airfield while we're waiting for a clinic – it’s just brilliant.”
“I remember picturing myself working for MAF,” said Roshan. “I thought to myself: this is something I can really do – flying with a purpose. Sharing the Gospel with people across the world, using my small aeroplane because flying is something I would never want to give up unless God asked me to. It is exciting to know that I can do both!”