Good news, Mercy Wings International (MWI) aviation services continue to grow in Guatemala. Bad news, soon “baby will indeed need new shoes”. The rough strips exact a heavy toll when landing a 3600 lb aircraft. Effectively reducing the useful life of aircraft tires. The Mercy Wings International, Cessna T206H, uses two (2) 800-6 main landing gear (MLG) tires. Each tire will cost $200.00 each, not to mention each new tire must …
The Battle is won!
For a few months oil had been gathering in increasing amounts, at the forward section of the engine compartment of our trusty T206H, based in the western highlands of Guatemala. With limited ability to obtain proper replacement parts and special tools, I went about removing as many suspected areas as possible, under the circumstances. The offending oil leak remained hidden for a few months. Now back in Guatemala, and armed …
First of many to come
On a near perfect day in May, mission aircraft and their pilots converged on a dirt strip in central Guatemala. For many months as our paths crossed, sometimes just voices on the radio, there was talk of us all getting together to share experiences and aviation stories of course. At the same time a visitor whom we were all interested in had arrived in Guatemala. Bro Tom, a volunteer, and …
The drip that keeps on dripping.
In the last several of months a mist, then drips of oil began forming at the front of the engine. Requiring slow careful steps to begin to rule out various engine components as the source. Keep in mind that Guatemala is not the easiest place to find aviation supplies of any kind. Often availability is the reason, “you just can’t get that here”. Then, the cost will be double or triple over a …