Focusing on the needs of others sits at the core of Mission
Aviation Fellowship International (MAFI). Designed to deliver
hope and support through aviation, MAFI is a faith-based
international organization providing assistance through
medical care and other necessities to less populated parts of
the world. The initiative, rooted in reaching those who may
otherwise be isolated, has turned into a life-changing mission
for all involved.
As a group MAFl has served millions, with the vision to reach
even more. Targeting remote or isolated areas, MAFI seeks
opportunity to help those in need. Textron Aviation aircraft
have been the vehicles of choice to get there.
Featuring different aircraft in its fleet, MAFI has come to
know the importance of a product versatile enough to handle
the rigor of their mission. While pursuing these critical
efforts, MAFI has chosen to utilize the Cessna®
Caravan® turboprop as the mainstay in its fleet. David
Pearce, Manager of Flight Standards for MAFI has seen it
first-hand.
"People are very isolated and cut off, and often there's no
opportunity for development. We're very blessed to be born in
countries that give us such boundless opportunities," shared
Pearce. "The aircraft can help to bring such opportunities and
hope for the future."
"It has been a pleasure to be able to play a small part over
the years using the versatile Caravan, an incredible
workhorse, and impacting the lives of many."David Pearce, MAFI
MAFI owns several Textron Aviation products, each capable of
helping them meet the rigorous tasks of their mission. Often
traveling to locations with unpaved runways or makeshift
airstrips, the need for an aircraft that can handle different
challenges is present. Sporting the ability to transport large
quantities of cargo with abundant power is only the beginning
of what makes the Caravan® turboprop the ideal aircraft
for MAFI.
"It handles a variety of airstrips, from 450 meters on the
side of a mountain in Papua New Guinea, through to the desert
plains of the Sahara Desert," noted Pearce. "It handles the
soft and rough surfaces, it handles the short runways. It has
been a pleasure to be able to play a small part over the years
using the versatile Caravan, an incredible workhorse, and
impacting the lives of many."
Phil Sproul, Director of Technical Operations agreed, noting
the Cessna® Caravan® turboprop meets their needs
through its resourcefulness.
"The Caravans are really versatile airplanes that we can
quickly configure to the mission we need to fly, whether it is
flying passengers to help with development and health care or
moving seats out and putting stretchers in or using the
aircraft for cargo. It's an ambulance, it's a truck and it's a
bus all at the same time," he explained. "The power that is
available means it can operate hot and high on the short
trips, so you have sufficient power."
"It's an ambulance, it's a truck and it's a bus all at the
same time."Phil Sproul, MAFI
Earning trust through service has built MAFI for decades. Its
work with Textron Aviation continues to extend its reach
through reliable products and support. The pair says the
quality of aircraft and the people from Textron Aviation stand
out most.
"Textron Aviation has a level of expertise in the field and
their responsiveness with a large network we can tap into. The
access to parts and support is worldwide, even in the remote
places we fly, which is sometimes difficult, but always
obtainable," shared Sproul.
Pearce would agree with the assessment saying, "Textron
Aviation offers support centers around the world so that we
can get aftermarket modifications done from approved
facilities if required," he stated. "They're able to find us
the aircraft that suits our needs. The willingness to do that
shows that they believe in the product for the long term, and
they are invested in seeing it perform and not just selling
any aircraft."