Swiss pilot Timothée Berger completed his eleven-year journey to become a mission pilot, and now serves with MAF in Arnhem Land, Australia. But as Timothée reflects, it’s not all about the landing.
At 15, Timothée’s aviation imagination was piqued while flying radio-controlled aircraft at a Christian aviation camp.
“I was interested in aviation only if I could serve the Lord,” said Timothée. “In the meantime, even though we can serve the Lord in many ways, I wasn’t really interested in becoming just a line pilot.”
“There was this lady who came and shared her testimony about her journey as a missionary bush pilot,” said Timothée. “And I found it really fascinating.”
That moment sparked a dream that would take 11 years to fulfil. The journey has been long, but it’s been in the journey, not just the destination, that Timothée has found purpose.
Wanting to serve God through aviation, Timothée reached out to Mission Aviation Fellowship in Switzerland. He was presented with several pathways to becoming a MAF pilot, but challenges loomed, including cost, language and time.
Out of three options for MAF pilot training, Timothée ended up choosing the MAF Training Centre in Mareeba, Australia, as his study destination.
“I think it was better to go to Mareeba because English is not my first language and I’m not super comfortable in English,” he said. “So, it was good to be in an English environment to just improve a bit.”
“It was intense, because my English is not perfect. And so, especially in the beginning, I struggled a bit to follow the courses,” Timothée said.
Maybe don't think that being a pilot is the goal but see it more as a journey so that you can enjoy the time before being a pilot as well.
The training program in Mareeba was challenging, but it offered plenty of flight hours and a streamlined path to the commercial licence.
“From the day you start, up to the end, you fly the whole time. And so probably you learn a bit quicker.”
Timothée didn’t always believe he had what it took to become a missionary pilot, but a friend’s encouragement kept him on the journey.
“I thought that I was not good enough because I didn't have the skills or I couldn't speak English, and I didn't have the money. So that was not for me,” he said.
“But I started praying about it. I just asked, ‘Lord, if that’s your project for my life, start opening the doors. And if it’s not, make that clear and close the doors.’
“And so far, He has opened the door - all the doors for 11 years now.”
Today, Timothée is with MAF in Arnhem Land, where he is preparing to fly healthcare teams, students and teachers, social service providers and infrastructure workers to bring help, hope and healing to the isolated communities in this remote region.
“At the moment my contract is only two years in Arnhem Land. Then I expect to be sent somewhere else. It can still be Arnhem Land, but I would love to see other programmes as well.”
For young Christians seeking a similar path, Timothée advises: “Be patient and persevering for sure, because it is a long journey. And keep praying about it.”
But he also urges aspiring pilots not to focus solely on the end goal.
“Maybe don't think that being a pilot is the goal but see it more as a journey so that you can enjoy the time before being a pilot as well,” he said. “And really appreciate it as a time where you can grow and mature.”
For Timothée, life isn’t just about where you land—it’s about how you fly.
