Two missionary aviation agencies are headquartered In southern Arizona, but not many local Christians know that. UIM Aviation (the aviation arm of United Indian Missions, Inc.) and NTM Aviation (part of New Tribes Mission) along with Wycliffe Bible Translators (also based in the region) began in 1996 hosting an event at the general aviation airport in Tucson for the express purpose of informing local Christians of the work that God is doing using missionary aviation.

The event, which took place this year on Saturday, March 19, has morphed into a big and anticipated family event every two years. Each visitor has a chance to chat with representatives from about twenty different missionary groups. As a highlight they are given rides in mission aircraft. Throughout the day, 10 airplanes made 95 flights carrying 403 visitors. This year Flying Under the Son brought their new Kodiak from California for a static display. At 10:00 and 3:00 they gave flights in it, the seats awarded by drawings to visitors and volunteers. Five hangars were opened onto the roped-off tarmac, each housing a distinct activity such as children’s crafts, special speaker, music for teens, mission displays and concessions stands run by church youth groups as fund-raisers. It was a beautiful day, fun for everyone, and a day of many significant conversations. That’s what it’s all about.

Plans for the next Mission Aviation Day and Ministry Fair are already underway. MAD 2013 will probably be geared more around teens and their enthusiasm for missions as a career choice.

The Quest Kodiak was the most popular display of the day. Here Bill Burr of Flying Under the Son tells visitors about its capabilities and flights.

John Weber, representing LeTourneau University, chats with visitors about missionary aviation training.