GroundCrew Issue - April 1999 - Page Two
Bolivia Rapid Response
In January, Barry Miller, Senior Apprentice Andrew McCain and Apprentice Ryan Joy flew to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, in South America. Barry, a Certificated A&P and friend of MMS, Andy, and Ryan spent three weeks assisting South America Mission (SAM AIR) with one of their Cessna 206’s.
Andy focused on troubleshooting a vibration problem with the aircraft propeller using an electronic process called "dynamic balancing." He also worked with Barry to remove, clean, paint, and reinstall the landing gear.
Ryan and Barry worked together to repair damaged and corroded parts of the 206 airframe and assisted with installation of Flint tip-tanks to give the airplane greater fuel capacity and extended flight range.
Kenny Kreston, SAM AIR Bolivian Project Manager, was very pleased with our team’s contribution and their preparedness to serve in a field environment.
Inside the South America Mission (SAM AIR) hangar with the project airplane, a Cessna
206.
Standing: Barry Miller, Andrew McCain, Ryan Joy, Greg Dahl.
Kneeling: Dave Simmons,
Marvin Fluger, and Kenny Kreston, SAM AIR Program Director.
"I agree with MMS that experience based education
is the way to go."
Kenny Kreston, SAM AIR
"Class of ‘98" Contacts
Mike Burch (6/98): Mike is currently in application as a pilot/mechanic with several mission organizations.
Chris Jutte (8/98): The Juttes were accepted by JAARS, and are undergoing orientation at Waxhaw, NC.
Chuck Egbert (10/98): The Egberts were accepted by Voice For Christ Ministries, Fairbanks, Alaska.
Florida Rapid Response
As December’s GroundCrew hit the mail, Team Leader Dale Coates hit the Florida trail with Apprentices Andrew McCain, David Keeslar, and Peter Kang. They spent three weeks in West Palm Beach providing maintenance support and operational assistance to Missionary Flights International (MFI).
One engine was removed. Another engine was built-up and installed. Various engine components were inspected, fabricated, repaired, and trouble shooting was performed.
Multiple maintenance tasks were completed which allowed one DC-3 to return to service and helped keep their other DC-3’s in the air.
The team also assisted in flight operations by helping load, pre-flight, and crew several missions into the Caribbean. Dave and Andy helped deliver 12,000 pounds of cargo, 36 passengers, and 3 dogs throughout the region.
David Keeslar, Andrew McCain, Dale Coates, and Peter Kang enjoying
the Lord's call
to service in Florida during the month of December.
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