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Mission Aviation History to Hitch a Ride on Space Shuttle
Astronaut Taking a Piece of Nate Saint's Piper PA-14 on 'Discovery'
Cape Canaveral, FL.—08-24-09—
Proving that space flight is not the highest calling for a pilot, astronaut Patrick Forrester is taking a bit of missionary history onboard space shuttle “Discovery,” which is scheduled for liftoff from Kennedy Space Center in the early morning hours of Aug. 28. The aim of the two-week orbital mission is to equip the International Space Station.
 The item comes from martyred missionary pilot Nate Saint’s Piper PA-14, which is on display at the headquarters of MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) in Nampa, Idaho. Saint and four other missionaries were martyred on a sandbar in Ecuador on Jan. 8, 1956, by a tribe of Waodani Indians.
The incident sparked international news coverage and renewed interest in missionary service. Several of the tribesmen that killed Saint and the others were later converted to Christianity by relatives of the slain missionaries.
“Bringing attention to and renewing interest in missions would be a great result of this experience,” said Forrester, who was born in El Paso, Texas, the year after the martyrdoms. “My deepest intent is to honor Nate Saint, the Saint family and all missionaries around the world.”
“Nate Saint was a missionary aviation pioneer,” said Gene Jordan, MAF Director of Personnel Services. “The shuttle and those who travel on it are perceived as the ultimate pioneers. Just as Nate learned on the field and developed processes and techniques that have advanced aviation, so the shuttle teaches us something every time it launches.”
The piece being carried aloft is from the Piper’s battery box and has received approval for the flight from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) after conforming to strict size and weight restrictions.
Forrester, who will be making his third shuttle flight, has logged more than 4,500 hours in more than 50 different aircraft and has been with NASA 16 years. In addition to his time at NASA, he spent over 26 years as an Army aviator. Yet his dream has been to assist with the high calling of missionary aviation.
“I’ve always had a heart for missions,” Forrester said. “When I visualize what I might do after I end my career at NASA, always in the back of my mind is going into the mission field in some way. If I could go tomorrow and be a pilot with an organization like MAF, I think that’s what I’d do.”
Whether you are an astronaut, a missionary or something else, Forrester has a simple approach to discovering what career journey you should take. “There are so many needs out there,” Forrester said. “People need to figure out where their passion and their talents intersect with God’s plan for the world.”
Forrester heard about Saint and the other four missionary martyrs while attending a Steven Curtis Chapman concert. “He told the story of the missionaries who had gone down and had lost their lives,” Forrester recalled. “That story just fascinated me, and through that I heard of the book ‘Through the Gates of Splendor.’ That’s when I really first understood about MAF.”
Forrester asked MAF to provide a part of Saint’s plane for the shuttle mission. When the mission is completed, Forrester will return the piece to MAF, providing a certificate confirming its presence on the space flight. MAF plans to display the battery box part and certificate at its headquarters. Forrester noted that Saint “could have never imagined that we would have the opportunity to take it to a space station.”
As for himself, Forrester sees missions in his career flight plan. “We are all called to serve God in some manner,” Forrester said. “I have had the opportunity to participate in several short-term mission trips to Uganda, Canada, Puerto Rico and South Africa. Each time I have developed a heart for the people we served. I believe my wife and I will continue to serve in the mission field for the rest of our lives – whether it is at home or overseas, short-term or full-time.”
“Nate’s intent was to use the airplane to bridge the gap to those who have no contact with the outside world, and introduce them to a God who loves them,” said Jordan. “The shuttle allows us to explore the intricacies of the universe that reflects this loving God.”
Story and images from MAF US website
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LATEST UPDATE ON MISSING PILOT, HADLEIGH SMITH
Friday, 23 January 2009
News Update: Arnhem Land Accident
Many may be wondering about the current situation regarding the missing plane. The wreckage has still not been located. The next possible option is a detailed salvage operation; however, due to the unavailability of experts in this field and other key personnel over the Christmas/New Year break, there has been little progress. There are a number of options to consider and hopefully a way forward will be made clear soon.
Please continue to pray for the missing pilot's family, and also for wisdom that correct decisions will be made in order to establish the reasons for this tragedy.
Scroll down to view updates: October - Thursday 16, Friday 17, Saturday 18, Sunday 19, Tuesday 21, Friday 24. November - Thursday 6, Friday 14
Thursday, 16 October 2008
MAF Pilot Missing
A Mission Aviation Fellowship pilot flying a GA8 aircraft from Elcho Island, Arnhem Land, Australia has failed to return as expected at 2.30pm this afternoon.
Australia Search and Rescue are coordinating a search of the area involving MAF and other aircraft.
Please pray about this situation.
Bill Harding
Director/VP MAF Asia Pacific
Friday, 17 October 2008
The Search Continues
The search for a MAF pilot, who failed to return to Elcho Island, Arnhem Land, yesterday afternoon following a cargo-only charter flight, has escalated today.
Australia Search and Rescue are coordinating the effort which involves 7 MAF aeroplanes, 2 AusSAR aeroplanes, 2 civilian helicopters and 2 military helicopters. MAF operations in Arnhem Land have been suspended to focus on the search.
Please continue to pray that the pilot is found and uphold his family and the MAF team.
Saturday, 18 October 2008
Debris Found
The news regarding our pilot, Hadleigh Smith, missing from a cargo flight in Arnhem Land yesterday, is not good. Some cargo and an aircraft wheel have been recovered from the shoreline of Buckingham Bay not far from Elcho Island, indicating the aircraft has ditched off the coast. Helicopters and boats are now searching that area.
Neither the aircraft itself nor Hadleigh have been located to date. The search will continue today with helicopters and boats scouring the area. Local community members have also been assisting with the search and we are particularly grateful for their efforts. We remain hopeful that Hadleigh, 23 years of age from Sydney, has extracted himself from the aircraft as is awaiting rescue. The area is remote, isolated and has rugged coastlines. Big tides and strong currents are prevalent in the search area.
On Thursday Hadleigh was flying a Marthakal Yolngu Airline GA8 aircraft carrying cargo for a number of Aboriginal community outstations. He failed to return at the designated time and we have ascertained he never arrived at his first destination. Nothing has been seen nor heard since except for the located debris.
A GA8 Airvan
Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigators have arrived at Elcho Island. Today they will begin their investigation into what has occurred including examining the debris found to date.
Please continue to pray that Hadleigh will be found safe, for the search team, for his family and the MAF family. These tragic circumstances impact us all, some more than others. The uncertainty and grief will be intense for Hadleigh's family. The immediate MAF family in Arnhem Land and the broader MAF community will also struggle with the trauma of this tragic event.
Sunday, 19 October 2008
A Call To Prayer
AUSAR (Australian Search and Rescue) have passed jurisdiction for the search for Hadleigh to the Northern Territory Police. Whilst still involved in planning AUSAR's physical presence has lessened. However, the search is on-going. Aircraft searched all day yesterday. Many local aboriginal community members are out on the water in their own boats looking and some have walked many kilometres of mangrove shoreline in search of Hadleigh. Nothing was sighted yesterday.
The main objective we all have is to find Hadleigh.
The local MAF community gathered together last night in order to give mutual support and to deal with the reality of what has happened.
Today we are asking for people to pray, wherever they are and as they gather for worship, that God's specific presence in all of this will be revealed.
- Above all else praise God for His sovereignty in all things.
- Pray for Hadleigh's safety.
- Pray for the immediate family: that their faith will be strengthened, that God's arms will surround them with His love and even though there are questions of why and how pray that God's peace and abundant grace are sufficient for their needs.
- Pray that the NT Police and Coroner will have adequate resources available and will use all resources needed to continue searching.
- Pray for calm weather in the area. Yesterday a strong wind blew up which resulted in choppy water. Please pray for calmness and smoother conditions today.
- Pray that God will specifically intervene and that His finger will pinpoint the area to search.
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Hopes Fading
There has been little change in the situation since the last report. The search has been on-going but nothing further found. Realistically, the further out from the incident the more the realisation comes that there is little chance of finding Hadleigh alive.
No May Day call was received and we don't know if he experienced the rapid onset of a medical condition or if there was some catastrophic event with the aircraft. Inspection of the debris located on Friday indicates that the aircraft struck the water with some considerable force. Currents and tides may well be carrying the aircraft some distance from initial point of contact. Murky water is reducing visibility. The aircraft could be lying in one of the deeper channels of Buckingham Bay.
The search emphasis is changing to more of a surface vessel focus. Hadleigh's family are realising more each day that there is little chance of him returning to them. Please pray for them as the impact of this comes more sharply in focus.
Friday, 24 October
Hadleigh Remembered
The authorities have changed the search emphasis. Whilst the use of aircraft has diminished, ships with specialised equipment are being deployed in Buckingham Bay to search for the aircraft wreckage. We are hopeful that images of the aircraft fuselage will give information as to its precise location. Please pray that this is the case and it will be recovered. It is probable that Hadleigh's body is still in the wreckage. The family believe that their beloved son is in the presence of their Lord and, as such, have organised a Thanksgiving service at their church on Monday, 27 October. Please pray that this is a wonderful celebration of a life given in service for his Lord and also that all who attend will be challenged to put their trust in God.
Thursday, 06 November 2008
| Efforts underway to recover aircraft fuselage |
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Efforts are underway today (Thursday November 6) to confirm the identity of an aircraft fuselage discovered in Arnhem Land's Buckingham Bay.
Searchers suspect the wreckage could be that of a Mission Aviation Fellowship GA8 Airvan, piloted by 23-year-old Hadleigh Smith, who went missing on October 16.
A police vessel and two other support vessels arrived in Buckingham Bay yesterday afternoon. On board are police divers and ATSB investigators (and a sniper in case of crocodiles). They expect to dive on the site, to confirm whether the wreckage located by the sonar on Saturday is the missing aircraft.
Recovery is expected to commence as soon as possible following identification. Divers will assess the best method for recovery (inflatable flotation balloons have been carried). The dive site is about 15km from Elcho Island, 2km from the shore of Buckingham Bay where the water is about 15m deep.
A memorial service celebrating Hadleigh's life, his commitment to God, to flying, to people and to MAF was held in Sydney at Gymea People's Church on Monday 27 October. Two days later another memorial service was held, this time on Elcho Island where Hadleigh was based. Hadleigh's parents Stewart and May, sisters Cherryn (with husband Daniel) and Kylie, and Hadleigh's girlfriend Jess flew up from Sydney to attend.
Also present were many of the MAF staff, Marthakal staff and Yolngu community leaders. There were many tributes to Hadleigh and to the commitment, dedication and witness of the MAF families serving in Arnhem Land.
Friday, 14 November 2008
News Update: Arnhem Land Search
MAF pilot Hadleigh Smith, with GA8 VH-WRT, went missing on 16 October and is believed to have crashed into the sea enroute from Elcho Island to Matamata in Arnhem Land.
During the last week a police vessel and divers have not been able to relocate the wreckage which was earlier thought to have been located in Buckingham Bay. The police vessel has now returned to Darwin, however MAF and the Marthakal community (in which Hadleigh was based) are planning to continue searching using external salvage expertise and equipment. The plan is for salvage experts to make a final comprehensive search of the sea bed in all the areas where the wreckage may be. We remain anxious to locate Hadleigh and VH-WRT, both for closure of this painful period and to help us understand the cause of the tragedy.
Please continue to pray that we find Hadleigh, pray for the Smith family, the Marthakal community and affected MAF staff. |
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The new missionary mule
A new-style plane has been designed specifically with mission in mind.
In 1985, a meeting between MAF pilot David L Voetmann and aircraft designer Tom Hamilton began the process of producing a brand new specialist mission aircraft, one of which is due to join the MAF fleet in September 08.
As the pilot outlined difficulties faced in remote regions where each airstrip poses a different set of problems, the designer accepted the challenge. The result is the Kodiak 100, developed by Quest Aircraft Company of Idaho, USA.
Described as ‘a mountain rocket', it is an aircraft uniquely designed to overcome many obstacles of flying in a mission situation.
For MAF, it promises so much more than the Cessna 206 which has long been the backbone at the smaller end of the fleet.
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Feature comparison
Figures are correct at time of going to press
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Cessna 206 |
KODIAK 100 |
| Seating capacity, including pilot |
6 |
10 |
| Useful load, after pilot and fuel for 500 nautical miles |
414kg |
697kg |
| Maximum cruising speed at 10,000 feet |
125nm/hr |
185nm/hr |
| Maximum flight distance at 10,000 feet |
618nm |
1,233nm |
| Fuel capacity (useable) |
88 gallons |
320 gallons |
| Fuel cost per gallon (estimated average worldwide cost) |
£5 |
£2 |
| Operating cost per nautical mile |
91p |
88p |
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Cost to deliver 408kg cargo based on 500nm trip
(assumes maximum load for both aircraft) |
£448 |
£258 |
Short runway advantage
Pointed cowling maximises the Kodiak’s take-off thrust, and the 4-blade 96-inch propeller contributes to the same goal while having a 19-inch clearance to allow taxiing on rough terrain.
Its restricted wingspan permits turning in the tight confines of a small airstrip, and its discontinuous leading edge helps control the aircraft dramatically on slow approaches.
Versatility is built in. The landing gear is easily removed for conversion to float operation. And in the utility version, facilities are also easily juggled – from passenger to cargo to half-and-half.
Doors open exceptionally wide to enable patients on stretchers to be boarded easily, and there is a ready supply of spare parts.
The 750-horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 turboprop engine is able to pull the aircraft along at a 180-knot cruising speed. Landing is at 60 knots.
Load is up to nine passengers. The plane carries up to 320 gallons of fuel – so it can fly up to 1,200 nautical miles before refuelling.
The Kodiak can also take off on a really short runway – needing less than required by the Cessna 206.
And a display on the aircraft panel shows the pilot a real-time image of surrounding terrain, enabling the plane to be guided easily around heavy storms.
Denny Hoekstra has become MAF’s expert on the new aircraft, the first of which is expected to be delivered in October for use in Indonesia. ‘We are anticipating our Caravan pilots will transition to the Kodiak 100 very easily,’ Denny affirms.
Reliable fuel supply
One of the major features of the new plane is its use of jet fuel. That is far more readily available than the avgas needed by the Cessna 206. The Kodiak can also operate for 4,000 hours between engine overhauls.
With the ability to carry about 68% more cargo weight than the Cessna 206, the Kodiak promises to increase significantly the amount of medical, food or disaster relief delivered in one flight.
In the next 10 years, MAF intends to replace 20 of its Cessna 206s with Kodiak 100s. And in the next 4 years, 13 aircraft should be purchased – 8 for Indonesia, 2 for Central Asia, 2 for service in the Democratic Republic of Congo and 1 for our new operation expected in Nepal.
‘As I investigate fresh countries where MAF could operate, I’m convinced the Kodiak really is our answer for a turbine-powered aircraft in the most difficult and remote areas of the world,’ enthuses long-serving Max Gove.
David Voetmann, now 73, became a missionary after hearing of the death of pilot Nate Saint and others massacred by Waorani (Auca) people in Ecuador. He became an MAF pilot and engineer, flying for 25 years in Africa.
‘I believe this plane will be the next generation’s missionary mule,’ he asserts.
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