When planes don’t fly
The passengers are ready at the airstrip, the plane is fuelled up and ready to go…but it is grounded.
Why? There is not enough pilots!
However, in Arnhem Land help has arrived! We are currently keeping 4 relief pilots busy in the air. These experienced pilots have joined our team on a short term basis (3-12 months). They have each worked with MAF in the past and due to our current pilot shortages, they are making themselves available once again.
Once cleared with the cheif pilot they are off and flying in our busy daily program. Dripping with sweat and navigating the difficult weather, a normal day might mean 12 take-offs and landings on small dirt airstrips. Not to forget the passengers who often have no shoes and too many bags!
Why do they do it?
James Skinner says “The need really hit home for me when, late one 
afternoon, I flew a doctor out to the small homeland Wandawuy. An elderly lady had become extremely ill and the dirt strip is too small for ‘Careflight’ to land on. Once the patient was stabilised we were able to fly her straight into Gove hospital. Knowing our 20 minute flight could save a life, when compared with a 4 hour bumpy road trip, has a big impact. It was great to be here and able to help.”
Scott Garwood left MAF 10 years ago but has returned because of the desperate need. He says “Although I was no longer working for MAF I still strongly believed in what they are doing. I saw a window in my life where I could help meet these needs.”
Julianne Diprose (wife of relief pilot, Kylan) explains how she felt about returning. “We’ve lived in Arnhem Land before so we knew what to expect. Sometimes short term staff can be an encouragement as they see things with new enthusiasm. Stepping outside our normal busy routine, there have definitely been some unexpected blessings for us. Now at the end of our stay, I have to say it has been an adventure with some precious lasting memories.”
Barry Small also heard about the current need for pilots and decided to return. He says “I’m finding myself being challenged and learning so much. I’m now working along side people who are the same age as my kids, but there is a tremendous sense of support among staff and from the leadership. It’s great to be playing my part in kingdom building here in Arnhem Land.”
At times it’s discouraging when the needs are so great, but we are so thankful for the relief these pilots are bringing to Arnhem Land!