JAARS Taking First Kodiak Aircraft to be Deployed in International Service on U.S. Tour

Monday, March 16, 2009

Seven destinations provide initial opportunity for mission supporters, aviation aficionados to see the latest specialty aircraft prior to deployment to Papua New Guinea

For more information, contact:
Loren Rutledge
1-866-398-4516 x3025
lrutledge@lewispublicrelations.com

Blake Lewis, APR, Fellow PRSA
1-866-398-4516 x3020
blewis@lewispublicrelations.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WAXHAW, N.C. — March 16, 2009 — JAARS, Inc.—a nonprofit organization committed to speeding Bible translation for all people through the provision of technical support services and resources—today announced that Lancaster, S.C.; Atlanta; Orlando, Fla.; Dallas; DuPage (Chicago area), Ill.; Kidron (Akron area), Ohio; and Lancaster, Pa. are the cities currently scheduled to be visited by the first Kodiak aircraft scheduled for placement into international missions and humanitarian service.

The tour provides a unique opportunity to showcase the forward-looking perspective that JAARS takes to serving the needs of translation personnel in the field, according to David Reeves, president of the Waxhaw, N.C.-based organization.

“Language experts have nearly 2,000 translation programs underway and plans for reaching the almost 2,400 remaining people groups around the world that do not currently have important spiritual and language development materials in their own language. Successful completion of these plans is dependent on the delivery of a number of critical support services,” said Reeves.

“Making sure that people, equipment and supplies are efficiently and effectively moved into and out of these field locations, many of which are located in remote areas on the continents of Asia and Africa, is one of our key responsibilities at JAARS.”

Each of the tour stops currently planned not only will provide the ability for people to get a first-hand view of the Kodiak, the first aircraft designed from the ground up with service to missionary and language development programs in mind, but also an opportunity to take a ride in the actual airplane that will be placed in service in Papua New Guinea later this year. Ride schedules are as follows:

  • Lancaster, S.C.: Saturday, March 14, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
  • Atlanta: Friday, March 20, between 2 and 5 p.m. and Saturday, March 21, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  • Orlando: Sunday, March 22, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Monday, March 23, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  • Dallas: Saturday, April 25, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Sunday, April 26, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
  • DuPage: Saturday, May 30, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  • Kidron: Sunday, May 31, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Monday, June 1, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  • Lancaster, Pa.: Wednesday, June 3, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

A charge of $25 is requested from each person taking a flight on the Kodiak to help defray the cost of fuel, and a Voluntary Release of Rights and Waiver of Liability must be signed by all who fly, or by a parent or guardian if the passenger is a minor.

Delivery of the Kodiak aircraft on tour, tail number N498KQ, occurred at Quest Aircraft Company’s manufacturing facilities in Sandpoint, Idaho, earlier this year. The airplane seats 10 people, features a turbo prop engine capable of short take off and landings, and uses readily available jet fuel.

Since taking delivery, JAARS aviation personnel have been gaining familiarity with the airplane and training JAARS pilots and maintenance personnel on the new aircraft.

In addition to the introductory tour, the first JAARS Kodiak will play a prominent role in the EAA’s AirVenture Oshkosh 2009 event, being held July 27 to August 2. This eight-month schedule of U.S.-based duties will conclude with the aircraft being flown to Papua New Guinea later in August.

For more information about the JAARS Kodiak Tour, contact Dave Harthan at 1-888-773-1178.

About JAARS

JAARS, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1948 by Wycliffe Bible Translators co-founder William Cameron Townsend to provide aviation and technology services to speed Bible translation. Today, JAARS provides technical support services and resources to Wycliffe Bible Translators, SIL International and related organizations around the world, including aviation, maritime and land transportation; information technology and telecommunications; construction and maintenance; and vernacular media services. JAARS is an active leader in the Wycliffe Last Languages Campaign, under the direction of Wycliffe USA. For more information about JAARS, visit www.jaars.org.

###

"Email,