A New Chapter

June update - 2025

We're moving north, baby! We have received word that our little family will be relocating to East Arnhem Land in March next year where I will be working as a line pilot, and continuing in my role as safety manager for the Australian AOC. While we are excited about the opportunity to serve the Yolŋu people, we are sad to be saying goodbye to our lives in Far North Queensland. God has been good to us here, surrounding us with a loving community that will be hard to leave.

Arnhem Land Safari

Speaking of Arnhem Land, I had the opportunity to take three students over for their safari before they complete their commercial flight training. Below is a short video of our journey!

Safari is a significant part of flight training, teaching them how to navigate remotely over terrain that is quite featureless. It is a highlight of many students' time with us, so it was a pleasure to be the instructor this time around.

Who, What, When, Were and Why Arnhem Land?

Arnhem Land (known by its indigenous name "Miwatj") is a relatively unknown region at the north-eastern tip of the Northern Territory. It spans an area of around 97,000 km2 and is the largest area of Aboriginal-owned land remaining in Australia. It can almost be thought of as a seperate country in itself!

Photo credit: J Rytkonen

MAF have been operating in Arnhem Land for over 50 years, and service around 50 airstrips in the area. I (Michael) spent the majority of my childhood in an Arnhem Land community called Numbulwar, so I am excited to be back living there.

Photo credit: J Rytkonen

Many homelands have an airstrip to allow us to land

MAF operate six GA8 Airvans and two Cessna Caravans (pictured above) for a total fleet of eight aircraft.

Ramingining - one of the communities we serve.

Prayer Points

Please be praying for us in the following areas:

• Pray for Naomi as she finishes school this week before going on maternity leave.

• Pray for us as a family as we prepare to move in the next 9 months.

• Give thanks for God's amazing answer to prayer in providing 3 new instructors at the Training Centre!

May you continue to know the love and grace of God,

Michael & Naomi