SIL Philippines

Aviation

Due to the difficult access or remoteness of many SIL locations, aviation has played a vital role in the work of SIL in the Philippines for the past 50 years. This service was rendered to SIL personnel, government agencies and members of the cultural communities. SIL has one aircraft on Mindanao Island (a single engine Helio Courier), and one Helio Courier on Luzon Island.

Many locations where SIL personnel work are or were several hours from the nearest road or public transportation, so air transportation was essential. In recent years, however, roads have been developed in many of those areas, and SIL’s work has progressed to the point that air transportation is no longer critically needed in most areas. SIL pilots have also at times provide emergency medical transportation and assist in disaster relief operations.