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 …
Struck Down But…Well Nearly!
Safe on the ground after back-to-back ministry support flights, Robin and I carefully rolled open four of the 30-ft tall hangar doors, each weighing 400lbs. With the hangar open, we broke a sweat wrestling a 3600 lb. aircraft into position by hand. After a moment to catch our breath, we began to clean, check, inventory, refuel, and cover the aircraft. This is all part of the post-flight routine, so that …
ELT Battery Pack Replaced
The emergency location transmitter (ELT) is usually mounted in the aft section of an aircraft. In an emergency it can be activated manually by flight crew or automatically when subjected G-Forces from an off field landing. In either case, its ability to transmit your location is directly dependent on the condition of the battery. With few exceptions, aircraft worldwide are required to have an ELT. This device pinpoints your location …
It’s a Good Thing…Really!
After a 18 months of service, the tire on the left is worn to the limits of safe operation, and has been replaced with a new one. Aircraft tires are exposed to punishing rough surfaces, and hard braking with every landing on rural strips. Here at SGSP Aviation in the western highlands of Guatemala, its business as usual with one exception. There is a glaring empty spot on the shelf …
Make the Time!
Here at SGSP Aviation Ministries, at our base in the western highlands of Guatemala, we wear a variety of hats daily. Wearing my aircraft mechanic hat, I may be facing a single task or several separate tasks. Actually doing the work is the easy part, it’s the preparation and the finalization phases that demands discipline and time. Reviewing a work order, gathering equipment, prepares you for the actual work. …