Missions Chief Lt. Col. Jorge “Padre” Cabrera said Maule Air, Inc., signed a contract with the government of Honduras in September to build aircraft for training missions. Honduras has bought four planes, but he said the four are only a starting point for future business relations between Maule Air and Honduras.

Maule Air was chosen over other aircraft manufacturers because they offered planes at a lower price, higher quality and set at a higher standard, Cabrera said. Using Maule aircraft will allow the Honduran Air Force to train with better equipment, which will improve pilot training.

Along with air force pilot training, Cabrera said Honduras could use the Maule aircraft in other areas. The planes could be use for search and rescue missions, surveillance, reconnaissance missions and other ways to support the people of Honduras.

Cabrera said he and the team of pilots have been in Moultrie for about a week training in the planes. They will be leaving Tuesday as they fly the planes back to Honduras over a three-day trip along the Gulf Coast. A team of two mechanics spent time at Maule Air in May to learn about the planes before the pilots came and trained on them.

This trip was the team’s first visit to Moultrie, and Cabrera said all four of the pilots have enjoyed the experience. The people of Moultrie have been very friendly, and he enjoys being in a small town over a big city.

“I like this kind of environment,” Cabrera said. “The people here are very polite, kind, friendly and well-educated. The training has been fun while taking in the whole experience.”