Aviation has always been a symbol of human innovation, courage, and the spirit of exploration. For many, the sky represents endless possibilities and a frontier that beckons the bold. Interestingly, some leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been deeply connected to this world of flight, seeing in it not just a means of transportation, but a metaphor for spiritual journey, progress, and missionary work.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the lives of three influential Latter-day Saint leaders—Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, President George Albert Smith, and President Joseph Fielding Smith—who each had a unique relationship with aviation, and how their stories are captured in the photographs preserved in BYU's Religious Education collection.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: A Pilot at Heart
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s name is almost synonymous with aviation in the minds of many Latter-day Saints. Before his call as an Apostle, he was a pilot and later became a senior vice president for flight operations and chief pilot of Lufthansa Airlines. His passion for aviation wasn’t just a profession—it was a calling that informed much of his teaching and worldview.
Elder Uchtdorf often draws parallels between his experiences as a pilot and the journey of faith. In many of his talks, he uses flight metaphors to teach principles such as navigation through life’s storms, relying on instruments (faith) when visibility is low, and the importance of following a pre-determined flight plan (God’s plan).
One memorable talk, titled "Continue in Patience," likens turbulence in flight to the challenges of life. He teaches that just as a pilot must trust the instruments and remain calm, so too must we trust in the Lord’s guidance during our personal trials. His insights, born of thousands of hours in the cockpit, bring a unique and powerful perspective to spiritual teachings.
The connection between Elder Uchtdorf’s love for flying and his spiritual insights provides a vivid example of how one’s passions and professional experiences can enhance and deepen religious teachings. His story is a testament to the idea that faith can be found in all aspects of life, even in the skies.
Elder George Albert Smith: A Visionary Advocate for Air Travel
Long before air travel became commonplace, Elder George Albert Smith recognized its potential to connect the world and advance the missionary work of the Church. Elder Smith, who would later become the 8th President of the Church, was an early proponent of aviation. His enthusiasm for this new mode of transportation was not just about convenience—it was about the broader implications for spreading the gospel.
In a time when traveling by plane was still a novelty, Elder Smith prophetically stated, "I am sure that the day is not far distant when nearly everyone will go by air when they have any distance to travel." His forward-thinking view of aviation as a tool for global communication and connection was revolutionary.
A photograph preserved in our collection captures Elder Smith’s pioneering spirit. In the image, he stands with his wife in front of an express mail plane bound for Salt Lake City, dressed in aviator’s clothing—a symbol of his embrace of this new technology. The image is not just a historical artifact; it is a visual representation of his vision for the future.
Elder Smith’s advocacy for air travel highlights the Church’s longstanding interest in using technology to further its mission. His early support for aviation reflects a broader pattern of Church leaders who have seen the potential in new technologies to connect people and spread the gospel message.
Joseph Fielding Smith: A Prophet’s Love for Flight
Joseph Fielding Smith, the 10th President of the Church, also had a deep love for flying. He saw in aviation not just the marvels of modern technology, but the fulfillment of ancient prophecy. In Isaiah 11:11, 14, the scriptures speak of the gathering of Israel and the people “flying as the birds” to return to their lands. Joseph Fielding Smith saw the development of aviation as a modern fulfillment of these prophetic words.
His enthusiasm for flight was more than symbolic. He actively supported the use of airplanes for missionary work, understanding that this new technology could dramatically speed up the spread of the gospel. Missionaries could now reach distant lands quickly, fulfilling the commandment to take the gospel to all the world.
The photographs in our collection capture Joseph Fielding Smith’s passion for flight. One particularly striking image shows him gazing at an airplane, his expression one of admiration and awe. For him, the ability to fly was not just a human achievement but a divine blessing—a tool given by God to further His work on earth.
Joseph Fielding Smith’s perspective on aviation illustrates how technological advancements can be viewed through the lens of faith. He saw airplanes not just as machines but as instruments of divine purpose, enabling the Church to fulfill its global mission.
The Legacy of Faith and Flight
The stories of Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, President George Albert Smith, and President Joseph Fielding Smith show how aviation has played a unique role in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For these leaders, flight was more than a means of travel; it was a metaphor for spiritual ascent, a tool for missionary work, and a fulfillment of prophecy.
The photographs in our collection offer a visual record of this fascinating intersection between faith and flight. They remind us that the gospel can find expression in all aspects of life, including the skies above. As we look back at these images and the stories they tell, we see not just the history of aviation, but the unfolding of divine purpose through the inspired leadership of the Church.
As you continue to explore the Religious Education collection from BYU, we invite you to reflect on the ways in which technology and faith have intersected in your own life. How has modern innovation inspired you to think differently about your spiritual journey? And how can we, like these leaders, use the tools at our disposal to further the work of the gospel?