Aged 102, Jack Hemmings, the creator of MAF, succumbed to death while still piloting aircraft.
### Jack Hemmings: A Pioneering Pilot and Humanitarian
Jack Hemmings, a British aviation pioneer and co-founder of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), passed away at the age of 103. Born on August 10, 1921, in Bentham, Yorkshire, England, Hemmings' life was marked by a remarkable career in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and humanitarian work that spanned over seven decades.
Hemmings joined the RAF at the tender age of 19, serving in British India during World War II. His exceptional service earned him a promotion to squadron leader of 353 Squadron and the Air Force Cross in 1946 for 'exemplary gallantry while flying'. After his military service, Hemmings' passion for aviation and humanitarian work led him to co-found MAF in 1945, alongside fellow RAF veteran Stuart King.
MAF, a Christian mission organization, has grown to become one of the world's largest humanitarian air operators, serving the Church, those who plant churches, and encouraging Christians in distant communities. The organization's goal is to bring help, hope, and healing through aviation to isolated people, with the aim of seeing them changed by the love of Christ.
Under Hemmings' influence, MAF became a leading force in humanitarian aviation, providing access to remote areas inaccessible by land, thereby enhancing healthcare, education, and development efforts. The organization delivers relief workers, doctors, pastors, Bibles, school books, food, medicines, and other essential items, and participates in educational, disaster relief, and peace-making projects.
MAF provides a subsidized flight service to over 2000 relief and mission groups, enabling them to reach isolated communities. The organization's global presence and operations have been significantly shaped by Hemmings' vision, with MAF operating in more than 25 countries worldwide.
Hemmings' work with MAF has inspired generations of pilots and humanitarian workers. His legacy continues to impact communities globally by breaking barriers to vital services. His efforts have ensured that communities in difficult-to-reach areas have access to essential services like healthcare and education.
In 2022, at the age of 102, Hemmings took control of a Spitfire, believed to be the oldest British pilot to do so. For his 100th birthday, Hemmings performed aerobatics, and in 1985, he won the Dungeness to Le Touquet Air Race. Hemmings continued flying until he was 102 years old and was awarded the RAF's Master Air Pilot Award in 2017.
MAF still serves the Church and those who plant churches, encourages Christians in distant communities, and translates the Bible into the 'heart' languages of different people groups. Hemmings' legacy continues to be celebrated through the ongoing work of MAF, which remains committed to serving the most isolated communities.
Jack Hemmings' involvement in MAF extended beyond aviation, as it also focused on finance, enabling the organization to subsidize flight services for over 2000 relief and mission groups. Hemmings' work with MAF significantly impacted the transportation sector, especially in remote areas, by providing access to healthcare, education, and development services.
