Planes of Innocence: Why My Colony Flies

The Hutterites are a unique Christian communal society that originated in the Anabaptist movement of the 16th century. Today, there are over 500 Hutterite colonies scattered across North America, with the majority located in the Dakota Territory. One of the most distinctive features of Hutterite culture is their love of flying.

Planes of Innocence: Why my Colony Flies...

by Michelle Mann

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Language	:	English
File size	:	5498 KB
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Print length	:	158 pages
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While most people associate the Hutterites with their pacifism and communal lifestyle, they are also known for their passion for aviation. In fact, flying is so ingrained in Hutterite culture that it is often said that "a Hutterite colony without an airplane is like a fish out of water." But what is it about flying that so captivates the Hutterites? And what are the consequences of this unique aviation culture?

The Motivations for Flying

There are several reasons why the Hutterites have such a strong affinity for flying. First and foremost, flying is seen as a way to serve the community. Hutterite colonies are often located in remote areas, and air travel is the most efficient way to transport people and goods. In addition, flying is used for search and rescue operations, medical evacuations, and other emergency situations.

Second, flying is seen as a way to connect with the outside world. The Hutterites are a close-knit community, but they also recognize the importance of interacting with the larger society. Flying allows them to travel to other colonies, attend conferences, and participate in cultural events.

Finally, flying is simply seen as a fun and exciting activity. The Hutterites enjoy the challenge of flying, and they take pride in their skills as pilots. Flying is also a way for them to relax and de-stress after a long day of work.

The Experiences of Flying

The Hutterites have a wide range of experiences with flying. Some Hutterites are licensed pilots who fly for the colony on a regular basis. Others are occasional flyers who enjoy taking joyrides or flying to visit family and friends. And still others have never flown in an airplane. However, even those who have never flown have a deep appreciation for the role that aviation plays in their community.

For Hutterite pilots, flying is a source of great pride and satisfaction. They are proud to be able to serve their community by providing safe and reliable transportation. They also enjoy the challenge of flying, and they take pride in their skills as pilots. Flying is also a way for them to connect with the outside world and to experience the beauty of the natural world.

For Hutterite passengers, flying is a convenient and efficient way to travel. It is also a way to connect with other Hutterites and to experience the beauty of the natural world. Flying is also a way for them to learn about different cultures and to broaden their horizons.

The Consequences of Flying

The Hutterites' love of flying has had a number of consequences for their community. First and foremost, flying has helped to create a strong sense of community among the Hutterites. The shared experience of flying has helped to bond the Hutterites together and to create a sense of common purpose. Flying has also helped to connect the Hutterites with the outside world and to broaden their horizons.

However, the Hutterites' love of flying has also had some negative consequences. The cost of maintaining and operating an airplane can be a significant financial burden for the colony. In addition, flying can be dangerous, and there have been a number of accidents involving Hutterite pilots and passengers.

Despite the risks, the Hutterites remain committed to flying. They believe that the benefits of flying outweigh the risks, and they are confident that they can continue to fly safely and responsibly.

The Hutterites' love of flying is a unique and fascinating phenomenon. It is a testament to the power of community, the importance of tradition, and the beauty of the natural world. The Hutterites' aviation culture is a reminder that even the most traditional communities can embrace new technologies and find new ways to connect with the world around them.