jerry

Launching our newest pilot

Posted by jerry | Nov 20, 2024 | blog, Flight Training, Jerry's Writing, missionary aviation |

The engine manifold pressure began to drop. We could hear the engine’s roar die down, and felt the airplane begin to settle.
I saw Phil’s head began to look around. He had noticed. He said, “There was an airstrip over here somewhere.” Simultaneously he began to lower the nose, and configure the airplane for an off airport landing.
“I have your power” I told him – thinking it is best to overcommunicate in these moments.
I had reduced his throttle to simulate an engine about to die.
“There it is!” Phil replied.
He pointed the airplane towards the other airstrip.
As we flew closer, I noticed the specs on the runway were actually moving. There was about fifty zebra and warthogs all enjoying the prime grazing on the runway.

Following the Nile

Posted by jerry | May 6, 2024 | Jerry's Writing, missionary aviation |

A few years ago one of our Cessna 206 airplanes stopped producing electrical energy to charge the battery. The pilot, flying over the swamps of South Sudan, knew he was hours from the capital city and decided to power off as much equipment as he could, including the GPS. He flew most of the way back using his compass, watch, and pilotage.

Fortunately, he could readily turn to and follow the world’s longest river, the Nile.

I noticed a clue AIM AIR was off course 12 years ago. A seasoned American missionary asked the question that haunts me to this day. “Why are you driving with us all the way up here [into a remote region of South Sudan] to survey an airstrip? We won’t be putting any western missionaries in this location.”

The river was bending.