Buying Wheels, Burning Jet Fuel

Here  is an update on what happened around the hangar this week, plus an update on our Zambia trip.

Progress is coming along nicely on Big Bird, the yellow airplane. The paint removal is finished, and we have divided the parts of the airplane among several crews. One crew is working on structural repairs to the wings and control surfaces, one crew is starting to paint parts that don’t require repair, a couple other people are working on miscellaneous tasks. I have been working on the landing gear.

I’ve actually spent a good deal of time doing research. The landing gear has been modified from its original design, and that means paperwork has to be located and correct part numbers determined. Once we know what we need, we start shopping. Airplanes parts are expensive, and we want to save cost for our mission partners. Sometimes a fifteen minute call can save you 50% or more on … airplane parts. You never know what some parts department in an obscure place might have laying on a shelf he wants to get rid of. It’s all in the hunt.

Today was a more exciting day than most. It was PT6 familiarization day. In other words, it’s the day we pull the jet engine out of the shed and light the fire. It makes a whole lot of noise, a whole lot of heat, and a whole lot of wind. It sure was fun to grab that power lever and feel the roar of almost 800 horsepower. I think there is some important reason, but I don’t remember it.

I’m kidding. There is a good reason. It’s part of making aircraft mechanics that are prepared for service on the mission field. The PT-6 is an engine that is growing in popularity on the mission field, so we want to make sure our mechanics have specific training for it. I promise it actually was a training session, and I did learn quite a bit.

Zambia Trip Update

We purchased our airline tickets to Africa this week, so it’s a real deal. Now that we know for sure we are going and when, it’s time to start planning. Three months away is a good bit to prepare for. I’m really not sure how much toothpaste I use in three months, or if my socks even last that long. We also have to leave our house behind, but we are blessed to have found someone who will stay in our house while we’re gone. This is a big help to us.

We ask you to continue to pray as we prepare for the summer trip. We trust that God will provide for our needs, and take care of all the little things that we are unsure about. He is a faithful God.