Jerry’s Writing | Dust, Heat, Dreams

Launching our newest pilot

by jerry | Nov 20, 2024 | blog, Flight Training, Jerry's Writing, missionary aviation | 0 |

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

by jerry | May 6, 2024 | Jerry's Writing, missionary aviation | 0 |

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.

Dark Ridges

by jerry | Jun 28, 2020 | Jerry's Writing, missionary aviation, Stories | 0 |

6:15pm, 30 miles south east of Kisumu, Kenya. “Can you confirm you are able to proceed...

Unless an Engine Dies

by jerry | Feb 2, 2020 | blog, Jerry's Writing, missionary aviation, Stories | 0 |

Then I called Breanna.

“Just wanted to let you know we’ve had an issue with the airplane here in northern Kenya. Everyone’s OK, but we probably won’t make it home tonight.”

Six Minutes over Suguta

by jerry | Oct 3, 2019 | blog, Jerry's Writing, missionary aviation, Stories | 0 |

When an airplane engine quits running mid-air, the plane does not fall from the sky. It glides. But earthward and with certainty. It’s only a matter of time until earth and aircraft meet — a matter of minutes that can feel like seconds.