Partnerships In Haiti

Almost 2 months after the devastating 7.0 earthquake in Haiti, aviation continues to serve a primary role in rescue, recovery and carrying out relief work.   The earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010 is considered the  strongest earthquake to hit this area since 1770

Now, with over 3 million people in need of emergency aid, there is much work to be done.  With massive amounts of supplies coming and  thousands of people still in need of critical medical attention, the aviation teams in Haiti have been running full speed.  Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), working in partnership with other organizations such as Missionary Flights International (MFI), Samaritan’s Purse, and JAARS, estimates that to date, they have transported some 3500 passengers and moved over 1,000,000 pounds of cargo – primarily medical supplies.

One such passenger was a young lady named Julane, who was injured with a spinal injury.  MAF organized her evacuation and put her on a Samaritan’s Purse Kodiak and flown to Port au Prince by Mark Wuerrffel, a JAARS pilot. This kind of partnering and sharing is what makes this huge relief effort work.

There is still much work to be done.  Please pray for the safety of the hard working crews in Haiti.

IAMA Members in Haiti

IAMA is proud to represent a group of organizations that have stepped up to serve in a desperate time of need.   Many organization and individuals have already offered their services as pilots, mechanics and support personnel since the devastating earth quake in Haiti.

From the beginning, Missionary Flights International (MFI) has been providing a critical air link between Haiti and the US.  Having served in Haiti for many years, MFI was already in place when the need arose.

Other organizations immediately put their resources on the table and began partnering as necessary to get the job done.  On February 4, JAARS Pilots, Steve Otaviano and Jerry Gardener, flew a Samaritan’s Purse Kodiak to Haiti.  They joined the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) operation in Port-au-Prince, and the next day began relief flying.

As of February 14, MAF had reported that they had moved “10 tons of food over the last few days”, having transported an estimated 3200 passengers and 670,000 pounds of cargo.

IAMA will continue to facilitate the work of mission aviation around the world so the body of Christ will be well equipped to answer the call for help in the time of need.

Survival Training

Missionary Aviation Aircrew Survival School

Course Information

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Download Application

Download Schedule

Survival Training Extraordinaire

This is as good as it gets, folks.  Every once in awhile, a special offer comes along that simply can’t be ignored, and that’s what we have here.  Thanks to a cooperative effort between MSI, Moody Aviation, and especially a dedicated team of instructors from Emergency Response International (ERI), some top-notch survival training is being made available to the mission aviation community at an incredibly low price.  Trust me, these ERI guys are good.  They train many of the world’s best—be it military, special ops, industry executives, or the like—and now they are using their talents to serve the mission aviation world.

The initial training session will be held June 14-18, 2010 at the Moody Aviation facilities at Felts Field in Spokane, WA.  By design, this training will be broad spectrum, covering a wide variety of topics and environments.  Class size is limited and priority will be given to Safety and Training staff who can multiply the effectiveness of this course by incorporating what they learn into their own organizational training.

The training is being provided at cost with those costs being divided equally among participants.  Estimated costs per person for the week are between $250-300.

Course Detail

This is a pilot program specifically designed for mission aviation aircrews that operate in some of the most remote regions of the world.  It is presented by Emergency Response International (ERI) in cooperation with Mission Safety International and Moody Aviation.

The course will be held 14 – 18 June 2010 at Moody Aviation, 6719 East Rudder Ave, Spokane, Washington 99212.  Classes begin at Moody at 0800 on Monday, 14 June and will conclude by 1700 on Friday, 18 June.  Contact information is included at the end of this list.

Students are responsible for their own transportation to Spokane, all meals and lodging, and transportation to and from the field training.  Car pooling is recommended.

Training will consist of classroom discussions, field activities including an overnight bivouac, and water training in a swimming pool using the Shallow Water Egress Trainer (SWET).  During field students will construct their own shelters and will spend the night in them.  Certain materials will be provided to assist with shelter construction.  A  Survival Handbook will be provided and will be used as the course text, along with numerous handouts.

The following list of clothing and equipment will be needed for the various labs and the field portion of the survival course, adjusted as needed for weather and environment.  However, we do not recommend that you buy a lot of new gear for this training.  This is an opportunity to try out what you have and to find out what really works and what does not.

Pool Lab

Swim suit and tee shirt are acceptable. Old tennis, beach shoes or dive booties recommended. No leather shoes, boots or belts. Bring a towel and dry clothes to change into after the exercise.

Field Training

The field training will be conducted in a wooded area within an hour’s drive of Spokane.  Weather is typically warm and dry with a chance of thunderstorms.  The nights may be cool.

Student Clothing and Equipment List

Pack: Large enough for the items on the equipment list.  A water proof cover, such as a large trash bag, is recommended.

Clothing:  For 1 day and 1 night of field training, suitable for the terrain and anticipated weather conditions

Boots: Suitable for the terrain and anticipated weather conditions

Gloves: Leather recommended for shelter construction and other tasks

Water proof shell layer: Includes jacket with hood and pants, either Gore-tex or coated material.

Head protection: A hat with a brim for sun/rain protection.  A large bandana to augment sun and wind protection is recommended and a stocking cap may be appropriate for cool nights…

Personal survival kit: Bring any items that you might normally carry for outdoor activities.  This is a good opportunity to try out clothing and equipment

Sunscreen and Chap Stick: Essential!

Sun glasses: Wrap-around for maximum sun protection are recommended.

Base-plate type compass: Basic orienteering style compass such as a Brunton or a Silva.   Lensatic compass acceptable but not recommended.

Multi-tool: Gerber, Leatherman, etc

Headlamp and Flashlight: A headlamp for working at night is recommended along with a backup flashlight and extra batteries.

Canteen, water bottle, Camelback, or other water container:

Cup: Metal cup that can be heated over a fire recommended.

550 Line: Also known as parachute cord or para cord, 7-strand, minimum of 50’

Signal Mirror: Glass with aim hole recommended

Whistle: Plastic, not metal

Fixed-blade knife: Durable full-shank utility knife for general use and wood splitting.

Saw: Utility saw such as the Pocket Chain Saw or Gerber or Buck folding saw

Food: Enough for 3 meals (1 day and 1 night) in the field.  MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) recommended, or other high carbohydrate foods

Sleeping Bag: A light-weight bag or a bivouac sack should be sufficient.

Sleeping Pad: A closed-cell foam pad or a self-inflating pad such as a Therm-a-Rest recommended.

Applications and course coordination

Stephen Quigg, Mission Safety International
Phone:  717.284.4788

Download Application

Email:  CaptainQuigg@netzero.net

Questions about schedules, activities and equipment

Download Schedule

Ralph Wilfong, Director of Operations, Emergency Response International
Office:  509.443.1377
Cell:  509.993.0092
Email:  emtspec@comcast.net
Web Site:  www.eri-online.com

Questions about Moody and the Spokane area

Allison Pfening, Moody Aviation
Office:  509.535.4051 Ext 256
Email:  Allison.Pfening@moody.edu

Download Application

Missionary Aviation Safety Alerts-2009

On June 12, 2009 a mission operated 1976 Cessna U206 equipped with bladder tanks and Flint tip tanks experienced a loss of engine power just after takeoff. The aircraft struck the top of a hut, then a tree, injuring the pilot and destroying the aircraft. No mechanical discrepancies were found, and the fuel was not contaminated.

On August 1, 2009 a mission operated 1976 Cessna U206 equipped with Monarch fiberglass tanks to replace the bladder tanks, and Flint tip tanks experienced a loss of engine power while conducting a low level photo flight over a slum area just outside the traffic pattern at home base. While gliding toward a forced landing, the aircraft struck a utility pole, the ground, and a building, catching on fire. The pilot and front seat passenger were fatally injured. The two photographers in the back received non-life threatening injuries. No mechanical discrepancies were found, and the fuel was not contaminated.

On October 22, 2009 a mission training operated 1977 Cessna U206 equipped with bladder tanks and Flint tip tanks experienced a loss of engine power while flying at gross weight over mountainous terrain. The aircraft struck trees and the ground, catching fire. The instructor and commercially rated trainee were fatally injured. No mechanical discrepancies were found, and the fuel was not contaminated.

Have you experienced, or are you aware of similar power losses in similar aircraft, even momentary?

We would like to hear from you if you have experienced even momentary power loss in Cessna 206 aircraft, especially if it was a normally aspirated one with bladder tanks. We would also like to hear from you if you have information that might be helpful in solving the mysteries as to the cause of these events.

Contact Jon Egeler at jegeler@msisafety.org or call 423-542-8892 or 423-502-9460 or Skype:  jonegeler

IAMA Presidents Note: November 2009

This has already been a banner year for IAMA, and it looks like many more good things are just around the corner. Starting with approval for 501c3 non-profit status; an energized and enthusiastic board that began meeting by teleconference every two weeks to plan for AirVenture 2009 and continues monthly now; huge response from AirVenture; a re-designed logo, website, newsletter; more special pricing on parts, satellite tracking systems, and title services; and the list continues.

Where are we heading? IAMA is committed to providing increasingly valuable member services and benefits, and encouraging cooperation and mutual success of all our members. Further major developments of the website are underway, with plans to begin listing services being offered with ways to rate them by those who have used them; a screening function for initial inquiries, so people wanting to get involved with missionary aviation are pointed to the ministries most suited to their interests and skills; listing of resources available; listing of resources needed; contact information for key people in organizations; listing of important documents and reference materials; and the list goes on.

Along with the website, our newsletter is being published online and sent out primarily by email. This not only saves a lot of postage, but people get it faster, and continue to get it when they move or go on furlough.

IAMA continues to seek an Executive Director who can help develop the organization and bring together all the different people who want to support and promote missionary aviation. A job description has been drafted and agreed upon by the Board, and we are now seeking funding for the position.

Jerry Miel, the IAMA Vice President, has graciously agreed to serve as the official Office Manager for IAMA, so we have a new address. It is:

IAMA
P.O. Box 5612
Tucson, AZ 85703

520-908-7122

The very active IAMA Board is shouldering much of the work now, with Jerry taking the office responsibilities, Jack Sluiter covering the website and newsletter, Bill Jones taking care of trademarking our logos, Scott handling minutes and agendas, and  Vic, John A., Jack and me serving on the website committee. This arrangement is enabling us to get a lot done even when we are very busy with our primary ministries.

One other area of note is that we are encouraging individuals who are interested in supporting missionary aviation in any form to join IAMA as associate members. For a nominal fee of $50, they will get regular updates on what is happening in missionary aviation, and the dues they pay will go a long way toward increasing the benefits to all the IAMA members. Now is a good time to encourage someone to join IAMA!

Jon Egeler
IAMA President

EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2009 – IAMA Blog – Fly4Life

The Fly4Life emphasis has taken off ans is a huge success here at EAA’s AirVenture 2009 in Oshkosh.

IAMA is front and center just off AeroShell Square in a 30′ by 40′ tent sharing the stories of missionary aviation around the world to the hundreds of thousand of people visiting the EAA Airventure 2009 this year.

Representatives from most of the nearly 100 IAMA member organizations ar eon hand to explain the history and ministry of the pilots and planes of missionary aviaiton around the world today.

We will be posting video profiles of many of the IAMA participants that will posted as part of our Missionary Aviation Podcast series as well (available on this site and on iTunes).

If you get a chance come by this week and visit us!

Sandy

EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2009 – IAMA Blog – “That is my village”

“That’s my village.”  Meet Nard Pugyao, JAARS pilot.

Nard used to be from a family of cannibals  from the jungles of the Philippines.

In the 1950’s a Wycliffe Bible Translator came to his village called Dibagat in the highlands of the Philippines, home of his people the Isnag.

The man took notice of Nard and eventually helped him attend school in Manilla and later the US where he attended both LeTourneau University and Moody Bible Institute.

Eventually Nard joined JAARS as a pilot/mechanic and was assigned to the Philippines.  The truly amazing full-circle to his story is completed when he was allowed to fly the Helio in carrying first copies of the New Testament in his own tribal language to Dibagat.

Later Nard came to the US and worked at Moody Aviation as a flight instructor.  It was my privilege as a student at Moody Aviation to have Nard as my first flight instructor, earning my Private Pilots License under his watchful eye.  Later Nard would be recognized by receiving the Alumni of the Year award from Moody Bible Institute.

Given this background it is no wonder his story was chosen as one of the story highlights in the Fly4Life tent where Mission Aviation was featured.

If you make it to EAA AirVenture 2009 this year, be sure and look him up.

Sandy

EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2009 – IAMA Blog – A great MASA breakfast!

A great day starts with a great breakfast at EAA Airventure 2009!

Thank you MASA (Mission Aviation Support Association) for you hospitality.  Without you the mission community presence at the EAA Airventure 2009 in Oshkosh would be difficult to say the least.

Our days always start at the MASA tent (just behind hangar D in the camping area) with smiling faces and marvelous breakfast food.  Local churches in the area combine their efforts and cater our meals.  Because of thehuge niumber of aviatiors this year, we have three churches catering each meal in combination.  That is teamwork!

Today I met up with my first flight instrictor from Moody Aviaiton, Nard Pugyao.  Nard was a liot for many years with JAARS.

Next stop and next post will be from the Fly4Life tent.  Stay tuned!

Sandy

EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2009 – IAMA Blog – Sunday July 26, 2009

After a year of preparation, tomorrow is the start of the EAA AirVenture 2009, with Public Benefit Flying as a keystone emphasis this year.  IAMA will play a pivotal role in the formal introduction of many to this unique form of ministry.

Many are already there, assembling, testing, and lifting the parts into place.  Many more are traveling today from points all around the US and the world to be a part of this historic event for missionary aviation.

Stay tuned throughout the week as we update this site [and specifically this blog] with up to date photos, video, and podcasts from the event!

Blessings

Kodiak Kids from IAMA – Personalizing World Missions

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Kodiak Kids Program (KKP) is to provide an opportunity for local groups to be involved with missions through the raising of funds for mission aviation.

WHAT IT IS

The KKP enables groups, such as schools, churches, and businesses, to raise money for a mission aviation aircraft or project through a variety of creative means.  You and your group would interact with the mission aviation organization of your choice on a consistent basis.  This fosters a sense of ownership and personal connection.  In this way, you and your group can have a tangible role in helping fulfill the Great Commission through aviation.

The KKP is a service of IAMA, the International Association of Missionary Aviation (www.iamanet.org).  IAMA oversees the program and coordinates the initial contact between your group and the mission aviation organization you’d like to team up with.

HOW IT WORKS

1. Mission aviation organizations identify projects.
These projects could be for the purchase, maintenance, overhaul, or operation of an aircraft.  (Note: See the “requirements” section below.)
The program is open to all IAMA-member organizations and can include any airplane or helicopter type.

2. Mission organizations register their projects with IAMA, who will post them in a special section of the IAMA website.

3. Your group selects a project and then contacts the IAMA Kodiak Kids Program Coordinator.

4. The KKP Coordinator will put you in touch with the project contact person at the mission aviation organization.

5. The aviation ministry organization will provide information to help your group connect with the project.
Such connection could be in the form of videos, photos, email updates, or other materials.  Field trips to the organization could be arranged.  Visits to your group by missionaries could be planned.
Connection is a hallmark of the KKP.

6. Your group raises funds for the project in whatever creative ways it devises.

7.  Working with its organizational partner, the group will see the fulfillment of its fundraising efforts and follow the aircraft or project as it goes into action on the field.

BENEFITS

To IAMA-member organizations:

1. Funds are raised for aircraft or other aviation projects.

2. Public awareness is increased and public relations are enhanced.

3. Relationships with the participating groups/individuals are forged, potentially leading to future involvement, either on a personal or group level.

To your group (and the individuals comprising it):

1. Opportunities to be tangibly involved with mission aviation are readily available.

2. A sense of community and teamwork is fostered.

3. Individuals (particularly young people) can learn about missions and have their horizons expanded.

4. Relationships with the mission aviation organization are forged, potentially leading to future involvement, either on a personal or group level.

REQUIREMENTS

Mission aviation organizations must meet the following requirements to participate in the Kodiak Kids Program:

1. Participating mission aviation organizations must be members in good standing of IAMA.

2. Projects must be identified and sufficiently described, to include:

TITLE:

For example: Mauritania Caravan Refurbishment.

NATURE OF PROJECT AND WHAT IT ENTAILS:

For example: The refurbishment of a Cessna 208 Caravan for service in Mauritania, West Africa.  The cost of this project is $400,000 and will entail an engine and propeller overhaul, avionics upgrades, and the installation of a pod, safety seats, and utility interior.

HOW THE PROJECT WILL BENEFIT FIELD MINISTRY:

This is a descriptive paragraph explaining the “what, where, who, how, and why” of the project’s outcome.
For example: This Cessna 208 Caravan is being refurbished for service in Mauritania, West Africa, where it will transport community development specialists, health care workers, and national evangelists.  By providing safe, reliable transportation, XYZ Mission will be meeting the spiritual and physical needs of the isolated people of Mauritania.  (Note: This is a short version; longer would be desired.)

SPECIFIC MECHANISMS FOR KEEPING THE PARTICIPATING GROUP INFORMED AND INVOLVED (e.g . email updates, photos, videos, visits, etc):

This also includes information, photos, or video of the people whom the aircraft or project will serve.

HOW THE GROUP’S MONIES WILL BE RECEIPTED AND HANDLED

3. The name, email, and phone number if a person who will be the point of contact (POC) with which the KK group will interact.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Teena Ray, KKP Coordinator for IAMA.  iamachristian@rocketmail.com or call my cell: 863-738-6434.

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