Thursday, April 30, 2009

The Navajo Takes on the Pacific
























With all these new aircraft getting ready to go overseas, we have some older ones that we are disposing of. In some cases, that means bringing them back to the U.S. Such is the case for our Piper Navajo RP-C2748, after many years of service to our work in the Philippines.

Today it embarks on the next leg of its flight across the Pacific after several days of delay in Guam, waiting for a replacement part for a failed High Frequency radio.













Just last week our pilots and mechanics were putting the finishing touches on the airplane, including a "ferry tank" to extend its range. Then the team gathered around RP-C2748 and commended it and the two pilots, Roger and Ken, to God's protection on their trip across the Pond.




Now, re-equipped with a High Frequency Radio, they are departing on their next leg, Guam-Tarawa, followed by Christmas Island, and finally American soil, Hilo, Hawaii. After the final and longest jump to California, they will complete the journey to North Carolina. Stay tuned for updates over the next few days.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

008 Visits Dallas







The JAARS team took 008 to Dallas this weekend to honor partners who have helped fund this airplane, and to give our co-workers at the International Linguistics Center their first look at this new airplane. Many thanks to the folks at Jet Center of Dallas at the Dallas Executive Airport (old Redbird Airport) for the use of their facilities, and their excellent support. All day Saturday, and Sunday afternoon, we gave rides in the Kodiak, and did several high-performance flight demonstrations.



Monday, April 6, 2009

008 Goes Down for a While











Mark and I have gotten to a good place in our flight training for the Maintenance guys to have some concentrated time with 008. On the agenda: Design of an engine fire detection system, and installation of the High Frequency radio and antenna.
They'll have two uninterrupted weeks to get these projects started, as well as begin the paperwork on the FAA certification of these modifications that will be needed in Papua New Guinea.

Meanwhile, Mark and I will be looking over our notes from 50 hours of flying, examine our Standard Operating Procedure, and training curriculum.
But first I'll be heading out tomorrow to Sandpoint, ID for Quest Mission Team meetings on Wednesday.

JAARS Dedicates 008

We love ceremonies! And the dedication to God's service of our very first Kodiak was a great opportunity for one. This Saturday the JAARS family and other friends came to celebrate this airplane's beginning of service, and to dedicate it to God's work.
Many missionaries that have ridden in just about every kind of bush plane, in every region of the world, crowded around 008 and imagined what it would be like to travel to their ministries in this fine machine.