GroundCrew Issue - December 1997 - Page Two

PROJECTS IN THE HANGAR

Baptist Mid-Missions’ Navion has been moved out of the hangar and into the air over Coshocton. The flight checks have been finished. Missionary pilot Tom Schallhorn is working with Darryl Gingerich to familiarize himself with the aircraft as he prepares for a Springtime move to the Truk Islands.

The Helio Courier project has reached a major turning point. Instead of continuing to take it apart, we’re starting to put it back together. With most of the structural repairs completed, all the major airframe components are now in the hangar. The birdcage has been mated with the tail-cone and the fuselage assembly rests on its own three wheels. The engine overhaul is in progress, controls are being rigged, and new surfaces are being painted. Dennis Satterthwaite, Dennis Davis, and Dale Coates have played major roles in repair, supervision and coordination of this project.

Dan Moulton and Mike Burch finished the overhaul on a IO-520 engine for the Latvian Baptist Mission in Brazil. It will replace the engine in their Cessna 206 which is used to transport missionaries, medical teams, supplies, the sick and the injured over jungle-covered, mountainous terrain. For eight months a year this area is under flood and the airplane is the only effective means of transportation. Sam Jensen, their Stateside coordinator, chose MMS for this job because, "We know MMS standards are high...and they do (their work) conscientiously, as for the Lord."

Darryl Gingerich and Mike Burch on the Navion's test flight.

MMS IN RAPID RESPONSE

Missionary Flights International (MFI) received the benefit of our latest Rapid Response effort. MFI’s airplane, a DC-3 we were previously acquainted with, suffered from corrosion and tired wings. Andy McCain and Chris Jutte drove to MFI’s West Palm Beach, Florida, facility and enjoyed 80 degree temperatures while performing corrosion control and structural repairs. They helped inspect wing structures, control surfaces, and fuselage skin. Several major fabrication jobs and non-routine sheet metal projects challenged them during their two-week stay. MFI was greatly appreciative and credited Andy and Chris with advancing the maintenance work three weeks further than expected.

MMS ARRIVES AT THE FAIR

For the first time in human history, Missionary Maintenance Services went to the Coshocton County Fair. The MMS booth debuted on September 26 and stayed open through October 2. Manned on a rotating schedule by staff, apprentices, and Board members, this missionary attraction raked in the crowds and opened a new world to many of this region’s inhabitants. The booth showcased our international impact, featured photos of past and present aircraft projects, and highlighted the pre-overhaul Helio Courier engine with its three blade propeller.

A daily drawing was held to win an MMS cap or cup. The winners were: V. Page, Uhrichsville, OH; J. Barchfield, Coshocton, OH; C. Hardesty, Coshocton, OH; L. Wells, Warsaw, OH; L. Schonauer, Coshocton, OH; G. Mapel, Coshocton, OH; and C. Harris, Coshocton, OH. A fun time was had by all.

Mike Burch and Chuck Egbert opened the MMS Fair Booth.

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December 97 GroundCrew Index

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