Mercy Air, the Sky Bridge to People in Need

There are always events in the life of a model airplane enthusiast that cause his hobby to take a back seat. That’s exactly what happened to me when I began my work with Mercy Air about six years ago.

Founded in 1991, the organization is based in White River in northeastern South Africa. Two fixed-wing aircraft—a twin-engine Cessna 310 and a single-engine Cessna 210—are in service there, along with an AS 350BA Ecureuil helicopter.

For the past five years, the Swiss branch of Mercy Air has been operating and financing this helicopter with the goal of delivering aid by air to people in need in Africa. Currently, our primary area of operation is Mozambique. Our work is funded entirely by donations from individuals, companies, and foundations. Aid is provided quickly and without red tape following natural disasters and other emergencies. Several times a year, doctors, dentists, and nursing staff are also flown to inaccessible areas. But why use a helicopter?, many will ask. Here’s a quick comparison: A 3-day, arduous, and dangerous journey down the Zambezi River in a dugout canoe is equivalent to a 20-minute helicopter flight. So there’s no question that volunteers can work much more efficiently in this region and that aid arrives faster.

Although I am a professional pilot myself, my goal was never to fly here as well, but rather to work with like-minded people to help establish a Swiss supporting association. “Fundraising” is the modern term for it. For me, it was uncharted territory and quite a challenge. Setting up a website for the entire organization was just as new and challenging.

But there were also other tasks, such as helping with the expansion of the hangar or assisting during a C-check of the helicopter—a very complex and time-consuming overhaul—during which I stripped all of the helicopter’s painted metal parts over the course of about three weeks. Over a total of about 4,000 work hours, nine volunteers and skilled technicians at the base in South Africa completed all the necessary work for this overhaul. It was a great source of satisfaction for everyone involved when, just under two years ago, pilot and mechanic Matthias Reuter was able to return the helicopter to service in practically brand-new condition and with a fresh coat of paint.

My commitment to Mercy Air continues, and I still want to fulfill my responsibility toward people who live in conditions incomparably worse than ours here in affluent Switzerland. Nevertheless, I’ve since been able to wake my model airplanes from their slumber and can once again be found at the airfield more often. – Both are rewarding and fun! More information about Mercy Air and ways to financially support our work can be found on our website: www.mercyair.ch

Samuel Liechti,
President of Mercy Air
Switzerland

Our workhorse: the AS 350BA Ecureuil.

At the Dentist's in the Bush.

Approaching a village in the Zambezi Delta.

Absolutely essential: thick rubber gloves, a strong sense of smell, and stamina.

The engine is being removed.

Now I just have to get rid of the paint.

Back in action in Mozambique after the overhaul.

Painting under the African sun.

Installation of the new rotor blades.

Piper, which is nearly 20 years old, has been restored and is once again allowed to fly more often.