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P2-WET lands in Kapikam met by excited locals (credit: Terry Fahey)

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P2-WET lands in Kapikam met by excited locals (credit: Terry Fahey)
Aircraft
MAF Operations
09 Oct 2025
P2-WET one year on – highlights of MAF’s floatplane in PNG
It’s been a year since MAF’s amphibious aircraft began operating in Lake Murray – Papua New Guinea’s largest lake. From enabling healthcare to delivering school supplies, hundreds of lives have been transformed for the better. We take a look at some of P2-WET’s achievements… ...
 Mark Liprini has devoted nearly 25 years of service to MAF across Africa (credit: Päivi Griffin)
High Flyers
30 Sep 2025
MAF honours Mark Liprini following nearly 25 years of service
In MAF’s 80th year, 65-year-old Mark Liprini – MAF’s chief pilot, operations director and flight instructor in Tanzania – undertook his last operational flight after nearly 25 years of flying. MAF's Claire Gilderson looks back on Mark’s incredible career… ...
 13-year-old Samuel is now cancer free (credit: Paula Alderblad)
Fundraising
Health
Youth
10 Sep 2025
Success in response to Samuel’s cancer appeal
Thanks to the generous response to Samuel's cancer appeal, MAF raised over £150,000 towards flights, which help children like Samuel access the lifesaving treatment they so desperately need. We’re so happy to report that Samuel is cancer free! MAF’s Hillim Gitonga has the latest… ...
MAF Operations
03 Sep 2025
What It Takes To Become a Pilot at MAF
There’s always been a sense of wonder to flying, but for some people, aviation is more than a job; it’s a calling. At Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), our pilots utilise their flying skills to deliver help and hope, working in previously inaccessible areas so that people living there receive the assistance they need. MAF UK offers a unique pathway for those who sense that God is calling them to serve in this role. In this post, we'll explore what it truly takes to become an MAF pilot: our requirements, the type of training needed, and the personal qualities and spiritual readiness required for such a significant role. Aviation Meets Mission: Is This Your Next Step? Being a pilot could be an interesting profession on its own. However, if you also feel a pull toward a Christian mission, the two need not be separate desires; they can be waypoints on the same journey. MAF’s pilots are not only skilled in the cockpit but are also missionaries who bring the isolated, vulnerable and forgotten hope. This is not about chasing adventure or résumé padding. It’s about stepping up to a call that requires technical skill and combining it with an authentic desire to serve others. This is why MAF UK is not looking for people who are merely interested; they’re after those who feel that God might be nudging them in this direction. If there’s any question as to whether that’s you, the Future Pilot Programme is intended to help you clarify it. It’s a chance to be more intentional about your next steps and also determine if missionary aviation is the path God has for you. The MAF UK Future Pilot Programme So, what is the Future Pilot Programme exactly? Consider MAF UK’s official portal for anyone in the UK who is thinking that life as a missionary pilot might be their next step. This is not a flight school; it does not give you the ability to fly. Instead, it’s a programme designed to prepare and test whether or not this path of missionary aviation is for you. The programme will provide mentorship to help you navigate the best training pathways to achieve your pilot qualifications. It will also offer support in spiritual formation and personal readiness. The realities of missionary aviation will challenge you; you’ll experience both the rewards of applying your skills to bring transformation and the sacrifices and risks that come with the work. This programme isn’t all about flight hours and certificates. It is about forming the whole person, spiritually, emotionally and practically, for a life of service abroad. This programme is mandatory for all UK applicants who wish to join MAF as a pilot, as it ensures each candidate enters their placement with a clear understanding of the responsibilities that come with being an MAF pilot. Learn more about the MAF UK Future Pilot Programme Understanding MAF's Mission and Impact MAF is a lifeline to some and a way of life for others. In practical terms, this means flying doctors, supplies for relief workers, missionaries, and cargo that can’t be easily delivered through more conventional methods to difficult-to-access corners of the world. From jungle clearings to desert airstrips, MAF pilots are opening doors that would otherwise be closed to people living in isolation. But this work is not merely humanitarian; it is also inherently gospel-centred. Each flight is a response to Christ’s call to serve the least and lost. Whether it’s flying vaccines, transporting patients for emergency care, or providing assistance in rebuilding local churches, MAF pilots breathe life and hope into communities by sharing Jesus Christ through both practical care and personal spiritual ministry. That’s the heart of the mission, and that’s also why being a pilot is much more than flying planes. It’s serving people in the name of Jesus. What Are the Requirements to Fly with MAF? So, who does MAF look for? Having a personal relationship with Jesus enables you to love and serve others in ways you never imagined. On the academic front, you will need to demonstrate a solid foundation in subjects such as Mathematics and Physics, ideally at A-level B grade or above. This provides the technical foundation for professional flying. Outside the classroom, you’ll also need to obtain flight training on your way to professional certifications, but the Future Pilot Programme will help you understand the pathway. Also critical is a strong Christian faith. Your relationship with Christ, participation in a local church and your desire to live out your faith in difficult places are all significant. Personal qualities matter too. Missionary aviation isn’t easy. It takes resilience, discipline and the ability to pivot when plans change, and they often do. Pilots need to remain composed under pressure, be eager to learn, and be motivated to persist when the going gets tough. There are also some practical conditions: you must be 18 years or older, medically fit to hold a Class 1 EASA medical certificate, and legally entitled to live and work in the UK without restrictions. More than anything else, MAF seeks a clearly articulated and enduring motivation, not an interest in flying or seeing the world, but a genuine sense that this is how one can serve Christ and His people. So, when you put all of those pieces together, academic preparation, spiritual depth, personal resilience and a genuine sense of calling, it begins to paint the picture of an MAF pilot. Preparing for the Mission Field Even if pilots have the right qualifications, life as an MAF pilot isn’t commercial-airline flying. You will often land on short, uneven airstrips cut into hillsides or jungle clearings, time and again. The weather is unpredictable, and the ground is seldom merciful. It is a test of skill and courage to fly in these conditions, but also humility because it’s not for your benefit that you fly. You’re flying for others. Your passengers could be a team of health workers headed to a remote clinic, a sick child in need of urgent evacuation from their village, or supplies that have been months in the making. That sense of mission drives everything. As a missionary pilot, life also involves living cross-culturally, often in basic conditions and remote areas. You will be part of an international Christian team, learning to depend on one another as you serve. And through it all, you’re going to have to keep your own spiritual disciplines, balancing faith with the daily realities of flying and cross-cultural living. It’s not an easy life. But it’s an intensely rewarding one. Taking the First Step If any of this resonates with you, consider taking a more in-depth look at our Future Pilot Programme. This is the introduction for anyone in the UK who senses a calling to missionary aviation with MAF. The programme will allow you time to reflect on your readiness, receive practical suggestions,  and embark on a process of getting prepared. You don’t need to have it all figured out right now; this is about exploring, practising discernment, and taking that first intentional step. MAF UK is committed to walking alongside you as you train, prepare, and consider the ideal time to apply. Explore the MAF UK Future Pilot Programme in more detail A Calling Worth Pursuing It’s no small thing to become a pilot with MAF; it’s challenging, stretching and truly significant. But for those who feel the call, it’s also a privilege beyond all measure. Each takeoff and landing can be an opportunity to save lives and spread the gospel. If the idea of melding aviation and mission makes your heart race, pay attention. Why not pray, get ready, and take that first step with MAF UK?
MAF Operations
02 Sep 2025
What Does It Typically Cost to Become a Trained Pilot?
How much does it cost to learn to fly in the UK? It’s one of the first questions most new flyers ask. Pilot training is expensive, often one of the biggest costs a person will face apart from buying a house. But what you are investing in is more than flying hours; it is an avenue into opportunity, purpose and, for some, service. The cost depends on the type of licence you pursue and which training route you take. Whether you start with a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or aim for an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), each step comes with a price. Let’s look at what you can realistically expect. How Much Does Pilot Training Cost in the UK? Pilot training is not a uniform process. The total cost depends on how far you want to go and which licence you are working towards. Here’s a breakdown of the most common routes: Private Pilot Licence (PPL) - £8,000–£15,000 The PPL is where most pilots begin. It allows you to fly small planes for recreation, essentially a driver’s licence for the sky. You will need at least 45 hours of flying time, though many students take longer. Add to this ground school, exams and a skills test, and prices usually range from £8,000 to £15,000 depending on the school and how many extra hours you require. Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) - £50,000–£80,000 If you want to fly professionally, the CPL is your next step. To qualify, you need at least 200 hours of flight time along with advanced theory and flight training. By this stage you will be developing skills in navigation, complex aircraft systems and professional-level piloting. Costs usually range from £50,000 to £80,000 depending on the school and whether you train full-time or modular. Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) - £70,000–£120,000 The ATPL is the most advanced licence. It begins as a “frozen” ATPL until you accumulate the required flying hours. This qualification allows you to become a commercial airline captain once you meet the criteria. Training includes both flying and simulator hours, and costs typically range from £70,000 to £120,000. Training Routes: Integrated vs Modular The decision that has the most significant bearing on cost is choosing between integrated and modular training. Integrated training is full-time and highly structured, typically lasting 18 to 24 months. It is the fastest path to qualification and is generally taken by pilots who aspire to work for airlines. The price is higher, usually between £70,000 and £120,000, but it’s all packaged up in one intense bubble. Modular training offers more flexibility. It's possible to learn in parts, paying bit by bit and fitting your studies around your existing job or education. This pathway typically takes two to three years and costs an estimated £50,000 to £80,000. It tends to be a more affordable option for individuals who can’t afford full-time training upfront. Through these various paths, prices can vary depending on the training provider you select, the type of aircraft you learn in, and how fast or slow you are as a student. Factors That Influence Training Costs Published training fees don’t tell the whole story. Various circumstances can make training either more expensive or, if you’re lucky, a bit cheaper. Aircraft rental and fuel rates: Older, smaller planes tend to be cheaper to rent; newer models understandably cost more. Instructor availability: Scheduling instructors can stall your progress, and you may ultimately require more lessons in the long run. Weather conditions: The UK’s ever-changing weather leads to cancellations, which can delay your training and bump up costs if you have to retrain on exercises. Student performance: Everyone learns differently. While regulations stipulate minimum hours, most students still require additional hours before they’re ready for testing. Extra expenses: Exams, study materials, headsets, and medical certificates can quickly add up if you are training away from home. Considering these factors helps prevent underestimating what you’ll need financially before you get started. The Extra Training Missionary Pilots Need For those who are called to missionary aviation, the learning doesn’t end when you receive your CPL or ATPL. Missionary pilots fly in extreme conditions that are often beyond those of most commercial pilots. Tailwheel training: Many aircraft used during missions have tailwheel (or “taildragger”) configurations, which behave differently than the tricycle gear aircraft most students learn on. Short and rough runway experience: Missions fields tend to have runways that are little more than dirt clearings in the forest; touchdown point control and confidence are essential. Bush flying techniques: Skills such as mountain flying, coping with capricious weather and handling cargo in remote locations are keys to survival. These extra training modules require time, money and commitment, but they’re critical for safe and effective flying in demanding mission environments. The MAF UK Future Pilot Programme exists specifically to prepare pilots for this pathway. It provides a structured route, ensuring that aspiring missionary pilots don’t just tick the boxes for licences but also gain the specialised experience needed to serve communities in remote and hard-to-reach areas. Planning How to Fund Your Training Yes, the cost of tuition can often become a heavy burden on trainees’ and families’ shoulders, but the reality is that with proper financial planning, they can make it work. There are a few scholarships available for pilot training in the UK, so most would-be pilots must rely on personal savings, family assistance, or loans. Modular training is often attractive as it spreads the cost over several years, during which time it is possible to make money while studying. Another source of funding for missionary aviation could be church or community donations, fundraising efforts, or partnerships. For many, this is not simply funding a person’s training but investing in the ministry that will impact countless people around the world. But no matter how you fund it, have some perspective: training is not only a financial barrier, it’s also an investment in your future career and, for missionary pilots at least, a calling. From Investment to Impact: Your Next Step So, how much does it cost to train to be a pilot in the UK? The answer differs wildly, from around £8,000 for a PPL to more than £100,000 for a full ATPL. For aspiring missionary pilots, this is not only about fulfilling a dream; it’s preparation for a career of impact and service in some of the most remote regions on earth. If you feel called to explore this path further, take the next step through the MAF UK Future Pilot Programme. The investment is significant, but the impact lasts a lifetime.
MAF Operations
29 Aug 2025
How Long Does Pilot Training Take?
If you’ve ever imagined yourself in the cockpit, one of the first questions that likely crosses your mind is this: How long does pilot training really take? The answer isn’t as simple as giving one number, like the number of months you’ll need to invest in the process. It depends on what type of licence you are trying to get. Less time is required to learn how to fly small planes for recreation than it takes to train to become a commercial pilot, and even more hours in the air are needed to become an airline or mission pilot. In this post, we’re going to explore one aspect: pilot training in the UK, and outline the typical timelines. We’ll also examine what it means for those drawn to missionary aviation, where the goal isn’t just piloting planes but using aircraft to reach people living in some of the world’s most remote locations. Understanding Different Types of Pilot Training  Pilot training is not the same for everyone. It depends on the type of flying you want to do: Private Pilot Licence (PPL): This allows you to fly light aircraft for personal use, but not for compensation. Many pilots earn a PPL simply because they enjoy flying. Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL): This is where a career in flying begins. Once you have your CPL, there are plenty of ways to be paid while flying, whether that’s chartering, instructing at a school, or flying for an employer. Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL): The most advanced qualification, required for flying large commercial aircraft. To get there, you need to accumulate a significant amount of flying hours and experience. Each licence has different objectives and timeframes. For the would-be missionary aviator, the path typically goes beyond the PPL and CPL and requires the most advanced training available. How Long Does Pilot Training Take in the UK? Training times in the UK depend on whether you take the integrated or modular route. The integrated route is a full-time, fixed programme where one training provider delivers the entire sequence. It’s the quickest option, generally finishing in about 18 to 24 months. Students need to focus entirely on training during this time, as it is intensive. The modular path is more flexible. You can complete training one step at a time, fitting it around work or other obligations. Commercial pilots typically take 2 to 3 years to finish this route, but it may take longer depending on circumstances. For some students, the price of the modular route is more manageable because they can pay gradually over time. The CPL requires around 200 flying hours, while the ATPL calls for about 1,500 hours before you’re fully licensed as an airline captain. These hours are not just about the total, but also the variety, such as night flying, cross-country flights, and more advanced manoeuvres. All of this is regulated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which maintains standards and helps keep students safe across training schools. So, here’s the answer: training can last less than two years if you go full-time and integrated, or several years if you choose the modular route. Factors That Affect Training Duration  Even under the best of circumstances, training duration doesn’t always follow your plans perfectly to the day. Several things can matter: Weather and seasonal conditions: The UK weather is not always conducive to training for trainee pilots. Heavy cloud, rain, or high winds can force flights to be grounded and stall the accumulation of flying hours. Instructor and aircraft availability: Training schools can be in high demand, especially during the peak flying seasons. Waiting for planes or top instructors can stretch the timeline. Financial considerations: Training is a significant expense. And some students, those without the capacity to finance full-time education immediately, must necessarily pause or spread out their learning as they raise the necessary funds, which obviously extends the timeline. Student readiness: Flying is a technical task that requires a strong understanding of mathematics and physics, quick thinking, and calm decision-making. Students who devote extra time to mastering these basics may need more time in ground school or spend more days on the flight test. And ultimately, it's just a matter of resilience and persistence. Training isn’t always a straight line, but progress, no matter how quick or slow you get there, gets you to the finish line. How Does Missionary Pilot Training Fit In? For people interested in missionary aviation, a licence on the wall is only half of it. Organisations such as MAF look for pilots who can go beyond the basics and be flexible in the most challenging environments. Missionary pilots typically must accumulate additional flying hours after obtaining a commercial licence. This is not just about getting the numbers; it’s about providing a quality experience. Flying into small bush strips, handling tailwheel aircraft, and operating in remote terrain is a world apart from the average commercial environment. It’s the nature of the role: it requires a great deal of preparation, which is both practical and spiritual. That’s why the Future Pilot Programme exists: a specific route for those who feel called by God to serve in aviation. The programme aids potential pilots in their decision to enter this career field, so they know it is a good fit for them, and also prepares them adequately for the mission environment. You can find out more here: MAF Future Pilot Programme Preparing Yourself Beyond Flight Hours  Being a missionary pilot is not just about accumulating flight hours and passing exams. The technical skills matter, but so do character, resilience, and a sense of purpose. A mission pilot carries God’s light, with the heartbeat of the work being to serve people and bring hope in Christ. They should also be cross-culturally versatile, able to coexist and cooperate with communities that have vastly different traditions, languages, and daily conditions. Strong support from a church community is also crucial, as the commitment to being overseas as a pilot sometimes presents training and financial challenges that can erode the resolve of pilots to serve abroad. That’s why MAF UK places such emphasis on holistic preparation. Training pilots isn’t just about creating competent aviators; it’s about raising people who can work faithfully, humbly, and effectively where aviation is a lifeline. Turning Training into Purpose  So, how long is pilot training? A PPL could be achieved within months, while a CPL may take two to three years, depending on the path you choose. An ATPL can take even longer, requiring thousands of hours before you’re eligible to be a captain. But for aspiring pilots, the road doesn’t end with a licence. It continues with gaining experience, deepening faith, and preparing to serve. The good news is that a clear UK-based pathway exists.. If you’re exploring this calling, discover more through the MAF Future Pilot Programme.
 Two-thirds of students at Naserian Secondary School are girls (credit: Annet Nabbanja)
Education
Health
Women and Girls
10 Aug 2025
MAF supports girls’ education in the face of FGM & child marriage
For 40 years, MAF has partnered with Angelika Wohlenberg-Kinsey who later founded ‘Help for the Maasai’ (HftM) in 1996. Based in Malambo, northern Tanzania, this charity protects girls’ human rights through education. Following the launch of MAF’s new joint campaign ‘It’s Her Future’, Claire Gilderson chats to Angelika about the plight of girls in rural Tanzania… ...
Aircraft
MAF Operations
08 Aug 2025
New podcast Ep.12 – P2-AFD: MAF’s latest addition to the fleet
P2-AFD has been hard at work since arriving in PNG in June, but what’s the story behind this aircraft and what does it take for one small plane to serve hundreds of isolated communities? We meet the people behind the plane – donor David Dorricott and pilots Dylan and Val Fast who flew her to Australia.
 Pilot Harry Hartwig with the Auster Autocar aircraft at Asaroka, New Guinea (credit: MAF Archive)
MAF History
06 Aug 2025
‘Harry didn’t come home’ – Harry Hartwig’s widow reflects on legacy
74 years ago on 6 August 1951, Edwin ‘Harry’ Hartwig – MAF’s first pilot in New Guinea – tragically dies in a plane crash over the Asaroka Gap. Despite its brutal beginnings, MAF PNG grows into the charity’s biggest programme. MAF’s Janne Rytkonen talks to Harry’s 97-year-old widow Margaret Baldock about his incredible legacy… ...
 P2-AFD transports passengers to Miyanmin during its first PNG tour (credit: Markus Bischoff)
Aircraft
MAF Operations
06 Jun 2025
MAF’s newest plane ‘P2-AFD’ takes 1st flight in Telefomin, PNG
On 3 June 2025, ‘P2-AFD’ - MAF’s latest addition to the fleet – made its inaugural operational flight to Tekin in northern PNG. The greatly anticipated aircraft immediately went to work, but what does it take for a small plane to serve the world’s most isolated communities? MAF's Claire Gilderson charts P2-AFD’s incredible journey... ...
 MAF trustee and former pilot Max Gove joined MAF 54 years ago (credit: LuAnne Cadd)
MAF History
29 Apr 2025
MAF at 80 – trustee Max Gove meanders down memory lane
54 years ago, Max Gove joined MAF as a young pilot in Ethiopia. Today, the father of four is on the charity’s board, which oversees the direction of MAF. In MAF’s new special 80th anniversary edition of the Flying for Life podcast, Max takes a trip down memory lane and shares his most memorable milestones… ...
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About MAF UK

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is the world’s largest humanitarian air operator. For over 75 years we have been flying light aircraft over jungles, mountains, swamps and deserts. We enable more than 1,500 aid, development and mission organisations to bring medical care, emergency relief and long-term development. Our pilots and personnel deliver relief workers, doctors, pastors, school books, food, medicines - everything that can only be safely and speedily delivered by air. Our faithful supporters give and pray to make this all possible.

© 2025 / MAF UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1064598) and Scotland (SC039107)