AWA Is A Humanitarian Air Organization
Bringing help and hope to humanity is what Adventist World Aviation (AWA), a non-profit, has aimed to do since its founding in 1995. AWA is a humanitarian air organization that supports the ministry of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, in isolated areas for those requiring medical, physical, mental, and spiritual assistance.
According to Steven Leger, a student pilot with AWA, the organization prides itself on being able to respond to situations ahead of larger organizations, to be able to step back when a larger support entity has entered the arena, then return to bring aid and post-disaster support as required, or deliver the supplies for larger agencies who are unable to do so, due to political/bureaucratic obstacles.
AWA has several ‘projects’ based in various countries (Brazil, Guyana, Nicaragua, Northern Ontario, Philippines, and USA), and Mr. Leger’s area of responsibility is ‘project USA’ under the operating branch of “Wings 4 Humanity” (W4H). He stated that they have a fleet of almost 12 or so single-engine aircraft that were donated to the organization and one he completes his private pilot certificate, he hopes to use his flying skills to serve a ‘higher power’.
AWA uses a rank system that denotes the responsibility and experience of its personnel (captains, seniors, etc), conduct their own training internally to ensure operational readiness. AWA has a volunteer staff of pilots, search and rescue (SAR) personnel, relief personnel, and a SAR dog team of 7 or so. Of the two SAR dogs on site, ‘Apache’ (pictured) demonstrated excellent behavior and control following minimal commands from Mr. Leger.
I asked Mr. Leger about whether they’ve experienced difficulties reaching those in need, particularly in Nicaragua where the perception of danger from cartels and gangs is not a favorable one, and he stated that their missionary work generally proceeds unhindered, because they have no agenda other that to provide aid or assistance to those in need.
