MAF Pilot Cadetship | Training for PNG Nationals

Do you dream of becoming a pilot and using your skills to serve communities across Papua New Guinea?

MAF is offering a unique opportunity for Papua New Guinean nationals who are passionate about aviation and interested in exploring a future in mission aviation. Based at our Flight Training Centre in Mareeba, Far North Queensland, this cadetship offers a structured pathway towards a Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL) and Instrument Rating, while preparing you for the challenges and rewards of flying in PNG.

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

You’ll train alongside experienced MAF instructors, gaining experience across a range of aircraft, including the Cessna 172, Cessna 182 and Cessna 208. You’ll also have access to MAF’s advanced flight simulation facilities and additional coaching to support your development.

Our goal is not simply to help you earn your licence, but to develop the skills, character and confidence needed to serve the Lord as a professional pilot with MAF in PNG.

This full-time programme runs for approximately 18–24 months and combines:

• Approximately 15 months of training towards a Commercial Pilot’s Licence.

• Approximately five months of Instrument Rating training.

• Around 200 hours of aeronautical experience towards the CPL.

• 50 hours of aeronautical experience towards the Multi-Engine Instrument Rating.

• Additional consolidation flying where required.

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

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.

Successful cadets may become eligible to apply for the MAF Internship, where they can gain further operational experience and develop towards serving as Pilot in Command with MAF. Progression will depend on meeting the relevant requirements and successfully completing each stage of the pathway.

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

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 grow in your aviation skills, build relationships and develop an understanding of what it means to serve others through aviation, teamwork and faith.

• Papua New Guinean citizenship.

• Grade 12 High School Certificate, with strong results in English, Mathematics and Physics.

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

• Successful completion of the required selection assessments.

• A genuine interest in aviation and Christian mission.

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

• Good mental and physical health and fitness.

• A PNG driver’s licence.

• A Class 1 medical certificate issued by a licensed PNG Designated Aviation Medical Examiner.

• If you’re a Papua New Guinean national with a passion for aviation and a heart to serve, we’d love to hear from you!
• To express your interest, please submit your CV, a cover leter, and Grade 12 results
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in the required selection process, which may include interviews, aptitude testing, and technical or flight assessments.