With our aircraft, N207BH, having passed the AIRWORTHINESS inspection (a VERY important detail for an flying machine!), we're eager to get on our way to operations back in Gabon, but there are roadblocks...
ROADBLOCK #1: Clearing Customs
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While Kenyan authorities figure our our Customs bill, we took the advantage of the visit of an Avionics Pro, Joe, who had the time to install some avionics that we planned to do sometime in the future. So, it was necessary to pull apart the instrument panel.
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Also, while we waited on Customs, Erica, one of the Kenyan technicians with AIM AIR, helped to repair an issue with our co-pilot door. |
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The avionics upgrade swaps out some items and makes other items unnecessary. In the picture are some of the items we pulled out... the airplane lost 9 pounds! |
ROADBLOCK #2: Flight Permits
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Our Avionics PRO, Joe, went to GREAT lengths to get install our new technology (Garmin G5's)!!! So, before we can fly the airplane, we have to get permits for local flights to test the airplane, then permits for the flight to Gabon. |
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Another AIM AIR all-star is Nate R. He's been giving great input. Here, he's checking the installation of a remote magnetometer (yes, it's right next to the Flux Capacitor). Nate has been a great encouragement and helped install some challenging rivets. |
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The panel was reconstructed with the new, fancy, Garmin gadgets, and it was coming to life thanks to JOE! While this was happening, other AIM AIR friends were working with civil aviation to work out our flight permits. |
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After the installation, Joe did calibration and testing to make sure all was in order. |
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Then it was time to crank up the aircraft, taxi it to the airport's "compass rose" where we verified the accuracy of our compass and the new avionics. It was the first time I've operated this aircraft, so I was ECSTATIC!!! And did I mention....
ROADBLOCK #3: Local Issues...
(photo credit : Reuters) Yep... local demonstrations have closed down the city and impacted our progress. I've stayed in my apartment on at least 2 workdays, so far. Please pray for peace here! |
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TELL about God's Love. If you would like to specifically assist with one of the above needs, please let me know with an email to "Gabon.Pilot@gmail" and follow the giving instructions below. Merci Beaucoup!
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