Category Archives: Thursday Flyer

Grounded … in the Air?

Flying in remote places like the rain forests of Ecuador present pilots with plenty of challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the weather, and the swift way it changes. Navigating through poor weather is never easy.

One day I was flying with the president of the Ecuadorian Evangelical Missionary Association (AMEE). We had been […]

Plane Maintenance Creativity Saving MAF Thousands

It’s no secret that MAF’s seasoned mechanics and volunteers are adept at creating useful items for plane maintenance on the field. But for a guy whose mechanical prowess doesn’t go much further than the twist of a screwdriver, I find myself fascinated at the creativity brimming out of the MAF machine shop.

On my latest trip […]

Nothing Like Mama’s Cookin’

Last year, one of the most popular blog posts we shared dealt with unique aviation tips from our missionary pilots. The list included ideas about the best way to handle some of the unique cargo MAF transports, like ducks, snakes and pigs. There was even a blog post last year about crocodiles in the cockpit.

While […]

Flour and Water Equals Honor and Respect

When Steve Persenaire landed his Cessna 185 float plane on a river near Jujang Parit, he had a most unusual greeting.

Carrying a team from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Persenaire found himself in a sudden and surprising greeting. Villagers sprinkled water on the heads of Persenaire and the WWF party, followed by pouring flour on […]

Airplane in a Box

Hugh Beck pokes and prods the Cessna 182 like he’s a physician giving his patient a physical. No joint overlooked, no piece misplaced. Meticulousness is required when you’re about to put a plane in a box and ship it 8,000 miles to be reassembled in the jungle.

After serving as a maintenance specialist for 36 years […]