Ferry Flying – Delivering Aircraft around the world for MAF

Tomorrow we plan to depart on our ferry flight to Kinshasa in The Democratic Republic of the Congo. Actually one of my favourite times – the flurry – the anticipation and getting ready to go. We’ve packed our bags- the dry suits and the flight raft is taken out of storage – plans are finalized and it feels like it is really happening

Dave Rask, of MAF delivered the Caravan last Friday to Winnipeg from Moundridge, Kansas. The plane was at Southwind Global where it was fitted with ferry tanks that are required for the long legs that often happen when ferrying an aircraft.

For those who have just joined this blog – to ferry means to transport an aircraft from one place in the world to another. MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) is a Christian mission organization that flys aircraft in remote parts of the world and aid people who have little access to health care, education and supplies.

These ferry flights are often years in the making. There is a need for an aircraft somewhere in the world where there is a MAF base; an aircraft is then found or donated or fundraised; a plan is set, logistics are worked though (all sorts of documents and permissions that are associated with bringing a plane from one country to another country which I can’t even begin to describe) – the aircraft is made ready and outfitted for the ferry flight.

Every aircraft has a story of its own – stories of where it came from and stories of where it is going and stories that have yet to happen…

This plane – N717RD was originally owned by a Belgian gentleman in his 80’s who had flown in Congo in the past. When he was selling his Caravan he wanted it to be used for humanitarian purposes in Congo. Dave had learned about this plane (a 2008 model with only 185 hours) in 2021, and he offered $600,00. This offer was accepted with the one caveat – that the owner would be able to go to Congo and ride along on one of the flights!

The venture was unfortunately delayed because of damage that had been done to thousands of its rivets while it was being sanded in preparation to be painted to MAF colours. So this needed to be repaired along with a long list of modifications – including installing a freshly overhauled engine – to prepare it for service in Congo. All this while the clock has been ticking and none too soon as this aircraft needs to be delivered by December, 2023! (Congo will not allow airplanes to be imported once they reach their 15th birthday)

It is funny how many of these deliveries are done under the wire – with deadlines and limitations – as in our ferry flight last November, when we were delivering a Caravan from Bangladesh to Australia – literally in the 24th hour we were permitted to depart when documents were finally signed by the Bangladesh civil aviation officials. The pressure was on as the Caravan would no longer be permitted to fly if it was any later because of maintenance regulations.

Again, watching the clock with this ferry flight- our departure is for October 28th (pending visas to Congo) – weather permitting and our first destination either Sept-Iles, Quebec or St. John’s Newfoundland (depending on the tailwinds). Stay tuned…