“I believe it’s timely. God Himself ordained this. In my human capacity, I couldn’t have planned it,” said Joseph Tua, reflecting on his milestone as PNG marks 50 years of
independence in 2025.
Joseph’s journey to this historic milestone began seven years ago with MAF, a path he never foresaw. “When I joined MAF, I didn’t know I’d make it this far—nearly seven years now,” he reflected. In February 2025, he embarked on a rigorous two-and-a-half-week floatplane training course in Western Province, guided by Chad Tilley. The challenge was steep, shifting from mountain landings to water. “It’s an honor and privilege to upskill, fly the floatplane, and serve Western Province’s water communities and PNG broadly,” Joseph said.
Western Province’s villages, cradled by Lake Murray’s lagoons and rivers, are cut off from roads and runways.
“These extremely isolated communities rely on the floatplane for community development, medical assistance, and transporting people,” said Chad Tilley, the experienced float plane pilot responsible for Joseph’s training.
A four-day river journey shrinks to ten minutes by floatplane, delivering medicine, supplies, and hope. Chad sees national pride in Joseph’s role.
“With PNG celebrating 50 years of independence, it’s exciting for Joseph to become the first PNG programme floatplane pilot,” he said.
Joseph faces daunting challenges, having to retrain his eyes from PNG’s rugged peaks to shimmering waters. It was during this training that Joseph got to complete his first landing in the float plane. He guided it down smoothly on the Lake Murray waters, its floats skimming the surface, a moment of triumph after intensive study.
“It requires a lot of focus and a lot of reading,” he said, embracing the water’s unpredictable currents. His training has included both overseas training and even underwater training drills, preparing for emergencies, a testament to his commitment.
As PNG celebrates 50 years of independence, Joseph’s milestone is an example of the nation’s resilience. His floatplane soars over bodies of water, carrying Christ’s light to villages long isolated.