Young pilots take flight at Mikkeli aviation camp

Aviation camp Peltilintu has given 24 young people in Mikkeli their first taste of flying, Yle reports.

The week-long camp for 16- to 19-year-olds, organised by Finnish Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), serves as an introduction to pilot training. Participants began a private pilot licence theory course and took practice flights in a Cessna 172 under instructor supervision.

Cara Nieminen, one of the participants, described her first solo flight as “amazing,” despite an unexpected go-around after birds appeared on the runway during landing.

MAF Finland director Janne Ropponen said the camp attracts talented youth, some exploring aviation as a career and others already set on becoming pilots, air traffic controllers, or aviation technicians. Some may eventually join MAF as mission pilots.

The camp includes morning and evening devotions, reflecting MAF’s Christian foundation. Ropponen noted these sessions address life’s challenges, offering lasting value even for those who do not pursue aviation careers.

Former campers Kiara Niemi and Mette Mattila, now camp instructors, both aim to become mission pilots with MAF. Niemi also aspires to a commercial pilot career, while Mattila highlighted the life-saving impact of MAF’s flights in crisis regions.