From May 20-22 two of us recruiters attended the annual IAMA (International Assoc. of Missionary Aviation) conference at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Brian Behal and I (Ron Hilbrands) represented MAF there and had good time connecting with other mission groups and schools that train specifically for missionary aviation. There were over 80 attendees there and Liberty did a great job of hosting all of us. Next year the event will be at UIM (United Indian Mission in Tucson, AZ. MAF will be hosting the conference next in 2012 here at Nampa, ID.

At the conference we heard from all the groups as to what was happening in their organiziation and how the economy was affecting them. There was discussion and a presentation on safety and security training for missionaries. We also discussed the major changes involved in moving toward turbine aircraft. IAMA is always a great place for networking. There was also a lot of talk about how IAMA and missionary aviation will be highlighted at the EAA Airventure in Oshkosh.

MAF Kodiak # 2

While visiting Moody Aviation in Spokane I took the short drive to Sandpoint, Idaho to tour the Quest manufacturing facilities. It is very impressive to see how far they have come in a short time.  Here is a picture of the next MAF Kodiak. It is in stage 5 of a 6 stage process. Each stage takes 10 days to complete. This Kodiak, #17, should be out the door in less than 20 days.

Moody Aviation Graduations

I traveled north to Spokane to attend the commissioning service for the Moody Aviation students on Friday May 29, and the graduation on Saturday May 30. It was a very nice ceremony. This was my first time to see the Spokane campus. I arrived early Thursday morning and participated in the chapel at 6:45am. MAF has 5 staff on loan to the Moody Aviation program. Three of the families have passed milestones in service. I was privileged to present 5 year service award to Gene and Jen Arnold, 15 year service award to Dan and Jodi Appleby and also Bruce and Wendy Devries. These families have been doing an excellent job in mentoring the next generation of  missionary pilots and mechanics.