A Peek in the JAARS Hangar
How does the work behind the closed doors of the JAARS hangar impact Bible translation around the world? Here’s a peek at a typical day.
(1) Training: We purchased this Cessna 206 last September and flew it down from Anchorage, Alaska. We’re now thoroughly refurbishing the plane—everything from its paint to the seats, radio, windows, and engine. It will soon be used for pre-field pilot orientation and recurrency training.
(2) Pre-Field Orientation: This Helio Courier is undergoing a 100-hour inspection for our pilot/mechanic orientation class.
(3) Research and Development: This Pilatus PC-6 “Porter” is on lease from a private owner. We used it for vibration tests of our newly designed under-wing cargo pods, which will soon be used by our Indonesian partner YAJASI.
(4) Partnerships: We modified this Cessna 172N—owned by YAJASI—with a Texas Taildragger conversion. We’re now using the aircraft to train Rio Seseray, an Indonesian student who will soon fly with YAJASI to serve his own people in Papua.
(5) History: This Piper Navajo served for seven years in Colombia, South America, prior to being moved to the Philippines in 1999. The Kagayanen New Testament launch in 2009 marked the end of its need in the Philippines. The plane was ferried back to our hangar and is now for sale.
(6) Field Support: This Cessna 207 will soon head to Cameroon, where it will support Bible translation, literacy work, and health initiatives in Central Africa. It recently underwent a Soloy turbine engine conversion—which increases its flight performance and allows the plane to burn readily available jet fuel.
(7) Field Support: We recently purchased this Bell LongRanger helicopter for use in Papua New Guinea. We’re now completely refurbishing the aircraft before shipping it overseas.
(8) Technical Evaluation: We use the “Snow Goose,” a non-flying Helio Courier, to evaluate the maintenance savvy of prospective missionary pilots and mechanics.
(9) History: This float-equipped Aeronca 255 served in Peru and Bolivia from 1950–1962. During those years, it was instrumental in bringing God’s Word to many remote people groups in the South American rainforests.
Behind the Scenes: Unseen are many other activities that we tackle each day to advance Bible translation—maintaining aircraft, overhauling engines, fabricating parts, giving technical support to our field operations, developing standards, researching, recruiting, and, yes, even filing paperwork. The most important activity, though, is one we can all do: pray.
