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1995: MAF in Indonesia

MAF begins a float plane operation in Central Kalimantan to focus on church and mission outreach....

1992: GPS Introduced

MAF completes installation of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) receivers on all aircraft. Using satellites, the GPS allows pinpoint location to within SO feet anywhere in the world. ...

1991: Pilot of the Year Award

The Helicopter Association International awards "Pilot of the Year to Dave Marfleet and Mike Meeuwse for their humanitarian efforts in Indonesia following a devastating earthquake. ...

1989: MAF Flight School Opens

The MAF New Zealand Flight Training School was opened at Ardmore airport in South Auckland. ...

1972: First Plane In NZ

The first aircraft to be bought and operated by MAF New Zealand, pictured outside the Flight Train-ing Centre at Ardmore airport. The vision for the Cessna 172 came from David Brown. ...

1961: MAF Begins In The Congo

MAF begins flight service in Zafre (Democratic Republic of the Congo) in support of Operation Doctor. ...

1961: MISSAVIA

MAF introduces the MISSAVIA transistorized radio (in rear of photo), providing a light, low-power way to communicate over long distances....

January 8, 1956: Nate Saint is Martyred

MAF pilot Nate Saint is martyred by Waorani Indians on "Palm Beach", along with Jim Elliot, Roger Youderian, Pete Fleming and Ed McCully. Seven of the nine killers and many others from the tribe eventually come to Christ. Tens of thousands of people around the world hear the story and volunteer to take their place. ...

1948: The Gemini in Flight to Africa

The Gemini on its way from Croydon to Africa and back In Africa it took part in MAF's first survey of the need there. It was the first missionary aircraft to fly from Britain. ...

1948: The Gemini in Flight to Africa

The Gemini fliew from Croydon, England to Africa and back In Africa it took part in MAF's first survey of the need there. It was the first missionary aircraft to fly from Britain. ...

1947: MAF's First Promotional Tour

From left to right: pilot Jack Hemmings, Murray Kendon (both in the front), Stuart King, Ken Ellis and a member of the Mildmay staff (holding paper) during the UK tour. During the tour 20,000 people heard about the plans for MAF. ...

1947: History in the Making

Early MAF staff with the Miles Gemini aircraft the "Mildmay Pathfinder" at Croydon Airport on 13 January 1948, just before take-off for Africa. Jack Hemmings, Stuart King, Ken Ellis (temporary helper), Tom Banham and Murray Kendon at the dedication service for the Gemini aircraft at Broxbourne Airport, Hertfordshire, UK. ...

1945: Trevor Strong

WWII photo of Flight Lieutenant Trevor Strong (co-founder of MAF NZ). Trevor returned to New Zealand in 1946 where he formed the first MAF prayer and support communities, promoting MAF in New Zealand. Trevor was the first chairman of the NZ Committee and later the Council that formed in the 1950s. MAF NZ became an Incorporated Society on 23 May, 1959. ...

1946: Betty Greene

Pilot Betty Greene flew the first MAF US aircraft on its inaugural flight. Betty transported two missionaries of Wycliffe Bible Translators to a remote jungle location in Mexico.  Photo taken in front of the Waco biplane, with hangar in background. ...

1945: Murray Kendon-The Beginning of MAF

Murray was the key founder of MAF. The first recorded thoughts about a MAF-type operation was in a New Zealand newspaper called "A Christian Weekly" on 5 July, 1945. He married Minnie in 1946. In 1950-51 Murray travelled around New Zealand with his family, promoting missions and MAF. In 1949 Murray met a similar group in the U.S. who adopted the same name and vision. ...

1945: Early Beginnings

Kiwi Murray Kendon was joined by Trevor Strong, a New Zealand WWII pilot who shared Murray's vision to use aircraft for evangelism. Later they were joined by another WWII veteran, Stuart King, a British pilot who immediately resonated with the vision as a fellow believer and aviator. ...