From the Logbook...A Memorable Passenger

Yesterday, I had the privilege and opportunity to meet, and fly with Harrison Ford.  He was in Central Borneo doing some filming for a documentary that will come out next year some time.  My purpose was to fly him and his crew in three separate flights to the village of Tarantang, 35 minutes from PalangkaRaya.

If you didn't know, Mr. Ford is an accomplished pilot.  When I offered the chance for him to fly our Cessna 185 float plane, he eagerly accepted.  In the photo above, we are getting the engine started, just leaving the dock in PalangkaRaya.

Harrison flew the airplane very well, a testament to his experience, which is almost double mine by the way!  While he flew with me, I just basically ran the radio and made sure everything stayed safe, but Harrison did almost all of the flying.

When we got to the village of Tarantang 35 minutes after taking off from PalangkaRaya, the whole village turned out not only to see a famous movie actor, but the airplane as well.  I had never been to this village before, and having the airplane there drew a lot of attention...not to mention the airplane's world famous passenger!

 On our return home at the end of the day, Harrison was all wet from being rained on during his filming shoot.  However, he still had "mojo" to fly, and he once again took the opportunity and flew us back home.  Above you can see him just inches away from touching down on the water.

 Once we were on the water, Harrison still "drove" the airplane and took us right into the airplane slip.  With some coaching, he did a great job!

It was a lot of fun to fly with Mr. Ford, and be able to just chat with him about life, fame, airplanes, and numerous other topics while we flew back and forth to the village of Tarantang.  Harrison was an extremely personable man, and one from which I actually learned a lot during our short time together.

Upon arriving at the dock, my girls were waiting to meet "Han Solo."   I had told them at dinner the night before who was coming, so they convinced mom to bring them to the dock to introduce themselves.  He took the time to shake every one of their hands, and engaged them in conversation like a pro.  I was grateful to see that Harrison was using his worldwide influence in a positive way...it will be something that will stick with my girls for a long time.

And of course, the obligatory family/group picture.  It was a long day of flying, but it is going to go down as a very memorable flight.  I was proud of our MAF team for demonstrating to Harrison and his crew what we have become known for as a tight knit unit that works well together.  It never ceases to amaze me, the people I am able to rub shoulders with in this life, from high level government officials and celebrities, to the poorest of the poor...all in the same day. It's a pleasure to serve in the capacity that we do.  Thanks to everyone that co-labors with us to make it possible!