Hangar Update

Since my last post, I've spent quite a bit of time working on the Cessna 206 for Mission Aviation Fellowship. Much of that time was devoted to the interior, and specifically installing the headliner. Aircraft interiors (at least the ones that we install) tend to require a lot of custom fitting and trimming, and this was no exception! After a lot of effort, I was pretty happy with the final product.

Putting some finishing touches on the interior of MAF's Cessna 206.

After the interior was mostly complete, we took the airplane out for some ground runs. The engine has not run since this airplane arrived at MMS more than two years ago, so it was exciting to fire it up!

The first engine run on MAF's 206.

After the runup, we had a few problems to troubleshoot. I got those taken care of, and then moved into the engine shop for my first engine project. It's a Lycoming IO-320 engine for a ministry in South America. This video shows the teardown of the engine, and I plan to document my progress on this overhaul.

Thanks for following our updates, and I'll try not to wait so long to post the next one!

SIM's Cessna 182 Leaves for Niger

It's always exciting to see airplanes leave MMS. Not because we don't like them, but because they are going to fulfill the missions for which we've prepared them! For many months, MMS worked on a diesel Cessna 182 for SIM, preparing it for service in Niger. I'd forgotten how much work I had done on this airplane until Jim asked me to sign the paperwork. I had the privilege of helping with the installation of wing extensions, new shoulder harnesses, and some structural reinforcements, as well as some smaller tasks.

Watching this airplane fly away gave me a real sense of satisfaction, and reminded me why I am here at MMS Aviation. It's an honor to be able to serve mission organizations like SIM, and to prepare these machines to help carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. Because, in the end, it's not just about working with airplanes. It's about the people that these airplanes serve . I can't wait to be on the "front lines" as a missionary pilot! But for now, I count it a true privilege to help send people and planes around the world from right here in Coshocton, Ohio!

Helicopter!

For several months, two men from Mercy Air (Matthias Reuter and Michael Aebi) have been diligently at work preparing a Eurocopter AS350 B2 for service in South Africa and Mozambique. In fact, the helicopter is desperately needed in Mozambique right now. Last week, the guys finished up their work, and it is shipping out to South Africa in the next few days.

Below are a couple videos of the helicopter. The first one is from the initial test flight. The second video was taken Friday evening, when Matthias and Mike graciously offered us helicopter rides on behalf of Mercy Air. It was a cherished opportunity to see this great tool at work, and to have some fun in the process!

A Very Rapid Response

Usually the mission organizations that are served by MMS Aviation bring their airplanes to Coshocton, and we work on them in our own facility. But every now and then, we send staff and apprentices to help with airplane inspections and maintenance on-site. We call these "rapid response" trips. Three weeks ago I had the opportunity to participate in a very rapid response.

On Friday afternoon, January 23, MMS got a phone call from Northern Youth Programs in Dryden, Ontario requesting help with their Piper Cheyenne. NYP had an important flight planned, but realized that it was going to take more work than expected to get the airplane ready. When I told Tim (our director of maintenance) that I'd be interested in going to help, he asked me to discuss it with Tara and get back with him. At first, I didn't realize he meant, "Call her right now." But within ten minutes I had the okay from Tara, and less than 24 hours later Josh and I were in the van on our way to Ontario! I don't know if this was MMS's fastest response ever, but it certainly was rapid!

I have only been doing aircraft maintenance for a year, so a part of me was concerned that I wouldn't be much help on the Cheyenne. But then again, as I look back on the past year, I'm amazed at how much I have already learned through my apprenticeship at MMS. Despite my relative lack of knowledge, I was excited about the opportunity to help another mission organization with a very tangible need.

We arrived in Dryden Sunday evening, and got to work on Monday morning! We helped NYP's mechanic, Kenton, with many routine maintenance and inspection tasks, as well as fixing issues that were discovered during the inspection. Although this particular model of airplane was new to me, my training at MMS had prepared me well to be able to help with many maintenance tasks (and to know where to find the relevant information in the maintenance manuals). Unexpectedly, there was even a particular item that needed to be replaced on the PT-6 turbine engines, with which I was the only one who had prior experience.

Kenton sent me this photo from the
Cheyenne's return-to-service flight.

Among the things we worked on were: installing new control cables; painting, installing and rigging a rudder; re-installing a starter-generator; changing a tire; resealing fuel tank inspection panels; cleaning the landing gears; replacing a few worn parts on the engines; changing the air conditioner compressor drive and belt; repairing a fuel vent; reinstalling the interior; affixing heater pads that had come loose behind the instrument panel; and closing all of the inspection panels and engine cowlings. After ten days in Dryden, we had the airplane ready for a run-up! On Wednesday, February 4, Clair Schnupp (NYP's pilot and founder) performed a successful ground run of the Cheyenne. With only a few loose ends to tie up, Josh and I started driving home late that afternoon while Kenton took care of the final details. On Thursday, the airplane had a successful test flight, and by Sunday it had reached its destination in Northwest Ontario!

I really enjoyed the trip, and I'm grateful that Josh and I were able to be an answer to prayer for Kenton and Northern Youth Programs. God could have used anyone, but by simply being available I got the privilege of being a small part of helping NYP fulfill their mission of discipling believers in Northern Canada!

The video below is a highlight reel from my trip. I hope you enjoy it!



And if you want to learn a little more about what Northern Youth Programs does, here is a brief explanation from NYP's pilot and founder:

He Suffered Injustice

Over the past several weeks I have been dealing with some issues that have been a real test of character, and have caused me to think a lot about what it means to be a Christian in our culture. I won't go into all the details, but some explanation is necessary for this post to make sense. In October I was in a fender bender, where the other driver was cited for failure to yield and was clearly at fault. I thought my biggest headache would be finding the time to get to a body shop for an estimate and repair. That turned out not to be the case. The other driver's insurance company (The General) not only gave me a low estimate, but offered to pay just 60% of the repair estimate, claiming that I was negligent and partially at fault for the crash. The claims representative (I'll refer to her as Sandy) was very unhelpful and rude, and refused to connect me to a supervisor or anyone who could discuss the matter further.

I don't think I slept more than a couple hours that first night after I spoke with Sandy. I was angry at this injustice, and stressed about how I would shoulder the bill for repairing my vehicle. As I thought about it more, I became more bitter toward the insurance company and Sandy for the way I was being treated. I was dead-set on taking the matter to court (I had already contacted my insurance company and the Ohio Department of Insurance, who would do nothing for me). I was convinced that I would win in court, and I couldn't wait to see justice done, proving that I was right. I even found an attorney that would take the case.

But there was one small problem with my plan. As it turns out, in order to go after the rest of the money for the repairs, I would have to sue the other driver, not the insurance company directly. I wouldn't have found it difficult to sue The General, or even Sandy, since they are the perpetrators of the injustice, and the ones making accusations of negligence against me. But did I really want to take the other driver to court? She caused the accident, but it was not her fault that the insurance company was refusing to pay. At the time of the accident I actually felt bad for her. When the sheriff showed up, she took responsibility and expressed gratefulness that I wasn't angry about the incident. I don't know how much the accident cost her in terms of the traffic ticket and car repairs, but it's no fun paying for all that—even when it is your mistake that caused it.

As I mentioned at the top of this post, this whole ordeal has got me thinking a lot: about justice; about forgiveness; about bitterness and anger; about the effects of bitterness on us and those around us. The first couple days, when all of this was really weighing heavily on me, I was dwelling on it a lot. The more I stewed, the worse I felt and the more my family bore the brunt of it. Of course I didn't mean to treat them poorly, but bitterness was beginning to take root and my family was suffering he consequences. I finally realized what was happening, and had to ask the Lord to help me forgive, release my bitterness, and submit my burden to him. I meditated on this verse frequently:

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:5-7 ESV)

The other big issue I have been thinking about is the injustice of this situation. An honest insurance company would just pay the claim, but this company was blaming me so they could get away with not paying what they owe. As I reflected on this, something occurred to me. During this Christmas season we celebrate the coming of Christ into our world. Yet, the world did not receive him or recognize him for who he was (John 1:9-13). The blameless son of God suffered the incomparable injustice of being accused, condemned, and murdered in the most brutal way. If this wasn't enough, he bore the sin of all mankind. Yet, how did he respond?

He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:22-25 ESV)

As I reflected on this season and what it means to be a follower of Christ, I found myself asking, “How can I best demonstrate the love of God in this situation?” On one hand, we have laws in this country to allow justice to be done in situations like this. I would certainly be justified in going to court. But is suing someone the best way to show the love of Christ? 

If there was ever a season in which to extend mercy, grace, and love, is this not the season? Of course we should do this year-round, but during Advent we set aside time to focus intently on the anticipation of the Messiah coming into the world as a helpless baby. The infinite God who spoke the world into existence took upon himself the constraints of a human. He ultimately endured unjust suffering, culminating in his death and resurrection, which purchased freedom from sin and eternal death for you and for me. If my Savior could suffer like that for me, can I not endure this relatively insignificant injustice for the sake of loving my neighbor? 

So that is what I decided to do. Rather than pursue the matter in court, I have—by God's grace—traded my bitterness and anger for forgiveness. In doing so I have found peace and freedom that is far more valuable than the sum of money I would have won in court. And in His mercy, God provided for the repair of my vehicle. To keep the cost down, I bought a new fender to install myself, and a family friend offered to paint it for free. Another friend advised me on how to deal with the insurance company, and I ended up getting about 85% of the estimated repair cost without going to court.

Sometimes it takes a trial like this to reveal our true character. Unfortunately, when I looked into the mirror of God's Word (see James 1:22-25), I did not like what I saw. But thanks be to God that He does not leave us in our sinful state. When we yield to Him, He transforms us and remakes us into men and women who increasingly reflect the nature of Christ.

This Christmas, take time with me to truly celebrate with thankfulness the coming of the Messiah into the world. Jesus Christ lived a perfect life, yet suffered and died unjustly. Then, having conquered death, He rose to new life, making the way for us to be rescued from the clutches of sin and darkness. Through Jesus' unjust suffering on earth the justice of God was satisfied, and those who turn from their sin, looking to Christ in faith, receive a full pardon. Not only that, but as we submit to Him, the Spirit begins changing us now—a transformation that changes the way we live and think and act, and will culminate on the day we find ourselves freed from this earthly body and made new in His presence!

May we live in this reality during the holiday season and all year-round. Merry Christmas!

Year-End Giving

I don't like "year-end ask" letters. There, I said it! I have a hard time sending letters that start out by expressing warm wishes, Christmas greetings, and thankfulness for those who supported our ministry over the past year, only to end the letter saying, "Please send more money!" Of course I wouldn't use those exact words, but that is the feeling I get from year-end appeals. I want this season to be a time when I think about giving and thankfulness, and not asking others to give to us.

I'll also admit that, especially in past years, I have not looked forward to receiving year-end appeals for financial support. For some reason it bothers me when I eagerly open a "Christmas card", and it ends up being a request for money (sorry if this offends you; I hope you'll keep reading). But that's ironic, especially this year. We have been setting aside some funds and are looking for places to give. Am I crazy or what? I want to give, but I don't want anyone to ask me to give! Yeah, I guess I am crazy. Sure, there are times when God brings someone to mind, without any intervention by us. But He frequently uses some sort of communication, such as a letter or a presentation.

As I receive year-end appeal letters, I suppose I need to look at them as opportunities—especially since I am still considering where to give before the end of the year. I also realize that there may be other people out there in the same boat. So without making any desperate pleas or twisting your arm, I will just say this: if you're still contemplating options for year-end giving, and would like to help us continue ministry for another year, here's how you can help. If you want to know what we've been doing over the past year, feel free to look back over our blog, and especially our Facebook page and Vimeo account.

To those of you who have prayed, given, or supported our ministry in any way: thank you! It is a privilege to serve with MMS Aviation, helping to send people and planes around the world with the message of Christ and the love of God. May you be blessed as you celebrate and remember the coming of Jesus during this Advent and Christmas season. It's because of Him that we have true life, and can shine His light to others.

Embracing times of preparation

I have spent a lot of time thinking about preparation the last few days. It seems that everything I've been working on at MMS has required lots of preparation, leading up to a final step that takes very little time to accomplish. As an example: Glen, Mike, and I did a compressor wash on the engines of a King Air 200. The whole process took about two hours. The actual wash and rinse time was about six minutes. The remainder of that time was spent preparing the equipment, mixing the rinse solution, getting the equipment into position, and cleaning up when we were finished.

(By the way, here's a video showing some of that process)

PT-6 Compressor Wash - GCI's King Air 200 from Aaron Hammitt on Vimeo.

And this is a more extreme example: last week we were painting some control surfaces for MAG's Cessna 206. Applying the paint only took Dale part of an afternoon, but the preparation took weeks of work by multiple mechanics and apprentices.

I could list several other jobs that I do around the hangar, where 75% (or more) of my time is spent preparing materials and equipment for a seemingly simple task. Prep work is not usually the most enjoyable part of my job. It usually consists of tasks like stripping paint, gathering supplies and equipment, scrubbing corrosion from 30-year-old parts, or researching parts diagrams and other documents to ensure a repair is done correctly. Even though I don't always enjoy this aspect of my work, I know that poor planning and preparation leads to a poor result.

As I step back and look at the bigger picture, I see this whole stage of our lives as a preparatory phase. Our time in Coshocton (and then with MAG in North Carolina) is giving us the foundation we will need to serve on the mission field as a pilot/mechanic family. Sometimes it's hard to embrace the current stage of life, and I am tempted to focus too much on the future. But when I do that, I tend to miss the opportunities that God has placed in front of me today. It's easy to say that preparation is important. But to actually live that out, embracing and valuing the times of preparation, can be a challenge. So I continue to pray for the strength and wisdom to embrace our time in Coshocton, and even to embrace the mundane tasks I face in the hangar, knowing that God can use these experiences to develop me into the man He desires me to become.