Cheers and tears of joy as floatplane arrives

After much anticipation, the arrival of P2-WET in Papua New Guinean waters marked a momentous day for many, including pilots Chad Tilley and Volkher Jacobsen, and those on the ground.
Civil engineer Terry Fahey, who worked with MAF and local communities, shared the emotional journey. "We've had a lot of setbacks and challenges. But seeing the plane come over the mobile phone tower in Lake Murray, some tears came to my eyes. And again, as we were pulling in to the MAF Base at Mt Hagen and seeing all the cheering MAF staff waiting, again, the tears started to roll,” Terry said.
This floatplane, previously part of MAF’s Bangladesh program, now carries the same registration as the historic P2-WET Cessna 185 that served PNG until the late 1970s. This milestone reflects the collective effort across MAF departments, from maintaining the aircraft in Mareeba to coordinating approvals through CASA PNG.
Supported by the Sustainable Development Program (SDP), the floatplane will enhance aerial health patrols to isolated communities in Western Province. Terry highlighted the joy of local communities, with older generations excited to share the experience with their children.
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