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| Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo |
The Aero Experience continues our year-round coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016, sponsored by Air Associates, with a look at several missionary aviation service organizations that are members of the International Association of Missionary Aviation (IAMA). The IAMA helps the over 70 members coordinate aviation services and resources to more effectively advance the Christian Gospel and meet humanitarian needs of people groups in hard-to-reach areas around the world. The aircraft used by member groups and on display reflect the utilitarian nature of the work.
JAARS, or Jungle Aviation and Radio Service, is composed of full-time missionaries who bring the Gospel to people in remote areas in their own language (Bible translation). JAARS members use modern mechanisms of transportation, technology, media and training to accomplish their mission. The aircraft on display, the Helio Super Courier and Pilatus Porter, are ideal for transporting passengers and cargo to and from short, unpaved airstrips. The Aero Experience was pleased to visit with a JAARS crew at the 2016 Pekin Airport Wings and Wheels event.
Another IAMA member, Life Builders International, is a non-denominational, evangelical ministry. On display was a Cessna 182D that has been modified for bush flying and for using auto gasoline in Guatemala, where clean aviation fuel is more difficult to obtain in the quantities needed to serve in the widows and orphans support program there.
A highly-visible exhibit in the IAMA area was that of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), a missionary organization that serves isolated communities in underdeveloped areas of the world. Along with spreading the Christian Gospel, MAF provides for the basic human needs of the communities they serve. One of their purpose-built missionary aircraft, the Quest Kodiak, was on display. The Turboprop-powered Kodiak is known for its ability to fly a large payload into remote areas.
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