Overview

✈️ MAF Pilot Internship | Training for PNG Nationals

A pathway to mission aviation | Developing towards Pilot in Command

 

Do you hold a Commercial Pilot’s Licence and dream of using your flying skills to serve communities across Papua New Guinea?

 

MAF is offering an exciting opportunity for Papua New Guinean nationals who are passionate about aviation and interested in a future in mission aviation. Through this internship, you’ll build on your existing qualifications, gain practical experience alongside established MAF pilots, and develop the skills and confidence needed to progress towards flying as Pilot in Command (PIC) with MAF in PNG.

🛩️ Develop your skills for more than flying

Becoming a MAF pilot is about more than technical ability. It’s a journey of professional development, personal growth, spiritual maturity and preparation for ministry in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

 

You’ll have the opportunity to complete additional training at MAF’s Flight Training Centre in Mareeba, Australia, tailored to your existing experience and development needs. You’ll also gain valuable operational experience alongside experienced MAF pilots, learning what it takes to fly safely and effectively in PNG’s demanding terrain and operating conditions.

 

Our goal is to help you develop the skills, character and confidence needed to serve the Lord as a professional pilot with MAF in PNG.

 

 

Responsibilities

🌏 Your training journey

The full-time programme runs for approximately 12–18 months and is designed around your existing qualifications, experience and development needs.

Your pathway may include:

• Capability assessment: A gap analysis to identify your current skills, experience and additional training needs.

• Targeted flight training: Further training at MAF’s Mareeba training centre to develop the capability required for flying in PNG’s challenging terrain and operating environments.

• Operational experience: Opportunities to fly alongside experienced MAF pilots, gaining experience as either Pilot in Command or First Officer, as appropriate to your qualifications and authorisations.

• Progression towards PIC: A structured development pathway towards the opportunity to fly as Pilot in Command of a MAF aircraft, subject to meeting the required standards and approvals.

Throughout the programme, you’ll receive structured assessments, feedback and support. Selection and progression will consider not only your aviation skills and aptitude, but also your motivation, work ethic, character, spiritual maturity and alignment with MAF’s mission and values.

🛫 A pathway to mission aviation

The journey includes interviews, technical and flight assessments, aptitude testing and development reviews at key stages. These provide opportunities to recognise your progress, identify areas for further development and ensure both you and MAF are confident about the next step.

We want to see our national pilots succeed, while recognising the importance of making wise, well-supported decisions along the way. The pathway provides clarity, accountability and guidance as you explore whether mission aviation is where God is calling you.

🌿 Life at MAF

Training in Mareeba offers more than access to flight training. You’ll become part of the MAF community and experience the spiritual, relational and practical aspects of life in mission aviation.

You’ll have opportunities to strengthen your aviation skills, build relationships and develop an understanding of what it means to serve others through aviation, teamwork and faith.

 

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

What we’re looking for

Essential requirements

• An ICAO-recognised Commercial Pilot’s Licence.

• Papua New Guinean citizenship.

• English proficiency, with a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 as a minimum

• Successful completion of the required selection assessments.

• A genuine interest in aviation and Christian mission.

• The ability to commit to the full-time programme.

• A current, or evidence of a previous class 1 medical from a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner.

✨ A journey worth taking

From remote airstrips and mountain ranges to communities where aviation is a lifeline, MAF pilots use their skills to help make healthcare, education, humanitarian support and the Gospel accessible to people who might otherwise remain isolated.

 

This internship is an opportunity to build on your existing qualifications, gain valuable operational experience and explore how your skills could contribute to MAF’s mission in PNG.

 

Could God be calling you to take the next step towards mission aviation?

How to apply

If you’re a Papua New Guinean national with a Commercial Pilot’s Licence and a heart to serve, we’d love to hear from you!

Please submit your CV, a cover letter and relevant aviation qualifications.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in the required selection process, which may include interviews, aptitude testing, and technical or flight assessments.

 

Take the next step towards a future in mission aviation!

Important information

Places are limited. Candidates should carefully consider the financial and practical commitments associated with the programme, including any fundraising and sponsorship expectations. Guidance will be provided to help successful candidates understand and prepare for these commitments. Acceptance of, and adherence to, MAF’s purpose, vision and values is an essential condition of involvement in the programme.