It was back in 2003 that Flying Mission pilot Bryan Wilson took his long-suffering wife, Diane, and their 6-month-old son Toby, on a 6 month vision trip of Southern Africa by road! His goal was to try to get a feel for the aviation needs of the region. From that trip, Flying Mission Zambia was born. Back then there was just a grassy farm strip at Chilongolo with a few substandard buildings. But God had big plans for it. Now, six years down the line, we invite you to take a 'bird's eye view' of the progress at the base.

Submitted by Flying Mission Zambia Pilot Rick Rempel

It was a dark time at Macha. While we were in Botswana working on a Flying Mission Zambia plane, we heard of a car accident that killed four people from that rural village in Southern Province, where we serve. There were just two survivors, one child and an adult. Both were in critical condition. One of the people who died was Mrs. Kalambo, wife of the Macha Hospital Administrator.

Flying Mission Zambia recently flew its first ever cross-border flight into the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire). Pilot and FMZ manager, Bryan Wilson, transported Dr. David McAdam, resident surgeon from Chitokoloki, in NW Province of Zambia, along with Murray, a building and supplies coordinator, the 500 miles north of FMZ base to a village called  Mulongo. Two years ago when Dr. McAdam did this trip he was able to fly in, but then had to drive out. 

Flying Mission Zambia Pilot, Guillermo Reddekopp, writes: Flying Mission Zambia is here to help Zambia but it has never before taken on a project like this one. FMZ was asked to assist Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) to survey the animal stocks in the National Parks. Understanding that the work would take 3 weeks, FMZ accepted, with the reservation that planes would be withdrawn for normal scheduled mission flights and for maintenance.

It was soon clear that 3 weeks was insufficient time to fulfil the task. However FMZ pressed on to help the Authority complete the job, which finally took nearer to 8 weeks.

Rick Rempel, FMZ pilot now stationed at Macha, gives his perspective on flying for ZAWA, Zambia Wildlife Authority

Most of Flying Mission Zambia work consists of moving strategic people and equipment into, and out of, rural Zambia. But at the beginning of October, FMZ embarked on a whole new venture. ZAWA ( Zambian Wildlife Authority) made a special request for us to help them with their survey flights. The goal was to count the many elephants and other animals in the national parks and game management areas. They needed to get started immediately so they could finish before the trees leafed up and the rains began in Northern Province. 1 full-time mechanic, 3 planes and 4 pilots were assigned to accomplish this task.

Oshkosh is a town in Wisconsin, near Lake Michigan. Every year, the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) organises the Air Venture show, which is generally known by the name of the town. For many years I have read reports and watched footage of the show on tv back in UK, so when I was invited to attend on behalf of Flying Mission Zambia, I said yes! It was an experience not to be missed.

This was my first time in America. What a big place! Big everything! Big Air Show! 20,000 or more aeroplanes flew in! There was almost every aircraft and aviation-related manufacturer there to display their products.

Flying displays took place every day at 3pm: top aerobatic teams and solo performances of all kinds. One week long, there were thousands of visitors each day. Many were themselves pilots, looking for new innovations.

It's dry season in the Northwest Province of Zambia, and with it come different flying conditions...and sometimes, different landing conditions. So say Phil and Vella Smith, Flying Mission Zambia personnel.

"Mike 5-4, we are overhead Chavuma for landing, but having to circle because the airstrip is on fire!"

I just have to tell this story. It is definitely different! A bit frightening too, at first. I won't mention any names or places because of how it might impact the family involved.

We headed into what was, for me, unexplored Africa. Mansa is the main town in the province of Luapula. Luapula is the poorest province in Zambia. If you are a government or medical official, it is the last place you want to get assigned. And, if you do get assigned there, you serve the minimum amount of time and then get out of there. It’s a long drive from Lusaka. So it is a bit of a forgotten part of Zambia. If you find someone who has lived there long, it is because they have a heart for the needs and people of the region.

We flew there in the Flying Mission Zambia C206 to check out two things:

With FMZ (Flying Mission Zambia) pilot family, the Smiths, now stationed permanently at Chitokoloki(Chit) to serve the Mission with a Cessna 206, resurfacing of the somewhat uneven grass airstrip had become urgent. The runway has now been gravelled. A big job, it cost an estimated 60,000 US Dollars. In a wonderful way, that expense has been covered for us.