Charlie: The Aviation Program’s New Vessel for Service and Mission

Pacific Union College’s aviation program proudly awaits the arrival of Charlie, the longest-serving aircraft for the Seventh-day Adventist church in the South Pacific and possibly globally.

This Cessna 206 has served in some of the most remote and challenging corners of the world since it was brand new in 1976. Now, PUC anticipates that a fully-refurbished aircraft will continue to serve locally and further afield.

The first Adventist plane to serve in Papua New Guinea was referred to as P2-SDA, with P2 being the country code for PNG. Because the aviation world uses the ICAO phonetic alphabet, pilots refer to Alpha for A, Bravo for B, and Charlie for C. When it came time for P2-SDC to be registered, it was affectionately nicknamed “Charlie” for short.

Charlie’s story is one that is very special to the people of Papua New Guinea, Australia, and Vanuatu, considering its 50 years of faithful service to the church and community there. Accumulating nearly 4 million kilometers (2.4 million miles) and witnessing the establishment of over 1,000 churches, Charlie has transported thousands of pastors, missionaries, laymen, and building materials to remote areas to construct churches, schools, and clinics. It also carried hundreds of doctors, nurses, and teachers to serve isolated and underprivileged people, including mothers and children of all ages, in underserved communities.

This aircraft has loyally served in its own ministry through the Adventist church, contributing to the church arguably more than any other aircraft worldwide. It has also trained many young pilots to safely navigate the challenging terrain, weather conditions, and airstrips. Former Chief Executive Officer and Chief Pilot for Adventist Aviation Services PNG, Pastor Roger Millist, along with other pilots, has testified that God used, blessed, and guarded this aircraft, especially with the difficult airstrips and challenging weather conditions it encountered. Charlie remained within God’s hedge of protection as it continued to conduct medical clinics, transport critically sick patients to hospitals, and aid in the establishment of Adventist churches and clinics in these rural villages along the way.

Charlie is now ready for a new role. At PUC, Charlie will provide technically advanced training for pilot certification, and open opportunities for service projects and recurrency training for pilots already serving in humanitarian roles. The aviation program has innovative dreams for Charlie for how this special aircraft will inspire youth and veterans alike, cherishing a vision that wholeheartedly dedicates and honors service to Jesus Christ.

Anticipating Charlie’s arrival in the near future, God willing, the aviation program asks those who are willing to support, whether it be a prayer or a kind donation, to contribute towards the new addition to the fleet. Please visit give.puc.edu/charlie to help bring Charlie home to PUC.