The second time in as many weeks, Robin and I find ourselves in Santiago Bahia Atitlan, this time serving a different ministry with a different and interesting aircraft. This part of Guatemala is situated on a lake formed from a volcano crater and surrounded by several dormant and active volcanos. This aircraft can extend wheels to use the Bahia grass airstrip or retract the gear to arrive or depart directly …
Annual Inspection May/June
Operating aircraft in support of your mission in Guatemala presents some special circumstances. US registered aircraft clearly has benefits and detractors. Parts availability is one, another is availability of inspectors. On this occasion “Serving God by Serving His People” (SGSP) Aviation Ministries completes the annual inspection.
Bahia Santiago Atitlan
This opportunity to complete an annual inspection for a children’s home based in the Solola department of Guatemala is about to be wrapped up. The power of missionary aviation serves many ministries, missionaries, and mission workers in hundreds of different ways. SGSP Aviation Ministries providing inspection services…..in this way we Give Wings to Good Works!
Renewed Authority
As a certified aircraft mechanic (A&P) with SGSP Aviation Ministries, the FAA authorizes me a higher authority (IA) to inspect aircraft on their behalf. It is not bestowed automatically but based on showing evidence of prescribed activities to qualify for renewal. What if, as Christians, we had to show evidence of prescribed activities……..oof don’t get me started!
A Different Kind of Battlefield
The top image of this collage is a “throw-back” from 2003, a time when, as a nation, we were focused on life-changing world events. Soon I would travel to a Middle Eastern country where everyone would be united by a single mission. Many years have passed since then, and my personal focus has taken on a more eternal perspective. For 16+ years, Chuck & Robin have been focused on a …
What a Pain!
An overextended reach while working in the hangar went almost unnoticed except for a slight tingle in my lower back. I shrugged it off and kept working. The next morning the tingle had become a white-hot pain so piercing that I canceled my days activities in favor of an ice pack and heating pad. Lying flat on my back or sitting bolt upright were the only positions that offered any …
Critical to Safe Flight!
During the return leg of a missionary transport flight, a failure light (L VAC) illuminated on the warning panel of the aircraft I was flying. It indicated that the left vacuum pump (VP) had failed. Briefly explained, the vacuum system keeps gyro instruments spinning to provide accurate attitude readings during flight. Because they are critical to safe flight, two are designed into this aircraft, a primary and backup. As an …
Starting The Day
Nearing the two-decade mark as missionaries, Chuck & Robin have learned to never expect the routine, and above all, seek God’s wisdom daily by reading and meditating on His Word. In missionary life, there are very few days that could be called “routine.” Stacks of paperwork demand attention daily, as does a to-do list that never seems to get any shorter. The plan formulated yesterday may well be obsolete before …
Site Survey Coban
About the middle of August, Chuck & Robin (C&R), SGSP Aviation Ministries International directors spent a morning talking with local pilots trying to get a feel for this 50ft wide by 3300ft long airstrip. The strip has a 3deg upslope with a pretty good kick at one end. Most pilots will opt to land uphill and takeoff downhill as seen in the photo however, given the right wind conditions a …
Taking Care of Our Volunteers
Brian and Deb are retired living in Guatemala but are by no means idle with their time. Here at SGSP Aviation Ministries we appreciate the gift of time and talent. Recently on an SGSP follow up mission between Quetzaltenango and Guatemala City, we invited B&D to ride along and get a look at the western highlands from a vantage point few get to see. Judging from the smiles on their …