GroundCrew Issue - April 1997 - Page Three

IN THE HANGAR

The Helio Courier projects continue with both airplanes now completely disassembled. The Model 295 will be repaired and rebuilt first because of its larger fuel tanks which allow evangelist, Mike Hines, longer periods of flight.

Baptist Mid-Mission’s Navion received an upgraded engine which necessitated modifications on the airframe. An annual inspection was performed as was disassembly and servicing of its landing gear assemblies. Work has started on replacement of the windshield.

One plane finished, Don Penner gets the hangar ready for the next plane

Two apprentices, Mike Burch and M.L. Caldwell traveled to Iowa to help missionary Tom Needham assemble the wings of his Glastar kit-plane. Tom will use the Glastar to minister in Camaroon.

Cabin modifications and an annual inspection were completed on drama evangelist Frank Harvey’s Mooney.

A non-missionary Piper Navajo made an emergency landing due to engine problems. We replaced a cracked cylinder on the portside engine.

Ward Graham, of Officer’s Christian Fellowship, brought their Piper Arrow in for conversion from a two blade propeller to a three blade propeller. Ward writes, This prop has a much different ‘feel’ from the two blade and performance is significantly enhanced, especially in take off and climb, but the cruise speed seems to be increased by five knots or so also. I like it. God bless you and thanks again.

WELCOME TO THE McCAINS

Andrew and Tammy McCain along with their two children, John II (A. J.) who is 8 years old, and Tiffany who is 6 years old, left the warm winter weather of Florida to start their apprenticeship training with MMS.

Andy was born in Indonesia and lived there for twelve years while his parents served as missionaries. Upon returning to the United States, his family lived in several states before settling in Florida. Andy and Tammy attended the same high school in Florida where they met, dated and a year after graduation, were married. Andy was part of ROTC during high school and joined the Marine Reserves after he graduated. After marriage, he went on active duty with the Marines and served fourteen years. Andy flew CH53-E helicopters and was a flight instructor on T-34s at Pensacola. Tammy stayed at home to raise their children. She also started her own basket weaving business.

In 1991, Andy became interested in serving as a missionary pilot. He knew he would need his FAA mechanic’s certificate before he could serve and investigated different aviation colleges. The McCains hadn’t heard about MMS, but the Lord changed that. Through correspondence with MAF, Andy and Tammy were alerted to MMS. They contacted MMS for more information in April 1996, interviewed in July, and began training in January of this year.

The McCains look forward to serving as a missionary family wherever the Lord leads.

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