See You on the Other Side

In a matter of hours, we will get in our Suburban for the last time on the way to the Boise airport.  We'll take our pile of stuff through security and take our shoes off and do the same thing.  Shortly thereafter we'll board a baby plane (Canadair Regional Jet) and head to San Fransisco.  We'll enjoy a nice layover for dinner, and then about 1am we'll board a big plane (Boeing 777ER) and head out over the Pacific Ocean on our way to Jakarta, Indonesia via Singapore, Malaysia; over 8,000 miles away.  Our next few hours, days, and weeks are sure to be crazy.  Stay tuned for updates as we start this adventure in earnest.  Talk to ya from the other side...

My Recent Reading List

Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of reading some great books and thought some of you might be interested in reading them, if you haven't already.

Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream

Currently, I am reading this book by Pastor David Platt. He also had a sermon series which can be heard on his website under a similar title. Very challenging, very liberating book.

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God

Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit

The two books above were written by Pastor Francis Chan. We actually listened to these books a few times in all of our recent travels.

The Christian Atheist: Believing in God but Living As If He Doesn't Exist 

The above book is currently "on deck" to be read after I finish the Radical book. I have heard about this book a few times recently and decided to get my hands on it today when I had a chance.
"Coincidentally," all these books have a similar theme. Reading Scripture, believing scripture, living scripture. I have found these three things to be very lacking as we have traveled around and seen America's Christian body in various states of dis-repair. Could it be that God is moving amongst His people drawing them back to what it is to TRULY follow Him? Don't read any of these books if you want to feel warm fuzzies and see sweet gumdrops. They will challenge you, and convict you in ways that you don't like. But, isn't that what Jesus promised He would do to those He loves; prune them to bear more fruit, discipline them because He loves them? Despite the challenges posed by these books, they are very good and speak directly to our human condition. Happy reading!

Float Plane Flying

My Future Office, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

As stated in my previous post, last week may have been my last landing on land for a long time.  This will be due to the fact that after we finish language school in the summer of 2011, we will move to the float plane base of PalangkaRaya, Kalamantan.  I am absolutely stoked to learn this type of flying.  As pilots, most of us jump at the chance to learn something new and fly different airplanes.  This will be totally different from anything I have ever done.  From what little I know, the flying is the same, but the takeoff and landing are obviously extremely different.

My Future Office, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

PalangkaRaya is located in Central Kalimantan and therefore has numerous river systems running throughout it.  Therefore we can use this type of aircraft to access otherwise inaccessible places in a much faster manner than by boat.  From what I am told, some of the villages are located on wide and "easy" stretches of river, whereas other villages are located on narrow rivers.  I can't wait!

Restandardization Complete

My Flying Crew, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

Today I wrapped up my MAF flying refresher (a.k.a. re-standardization) into some very fun airstrips.  We started off the day by navigating by heading, time and groundspeed (dead reckoning) up into the Idaho Backcountry enroute to a strip called Deadwood.  Along the way I also stopped at a strip called Loomis.  Once we made it to Deadwood, about an hour after leaving Nampa, we did some takeoff and landing work on the strip there.  The guy on the left in the photo above is an old friend from MAF-Mexico.  He is here in Nampa doing extensive work on one of the Mexico airplanes, one I used to fly.  It was a great surprise to see him here and we have had fun getting re-connected.  He joined along today just for fun.  The man in the middle was my flight instructor.

Deadwood Airstrip, Idaho, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

At the top of the Deadwood airstrip there is this sign.  Idaho is known for it's backcountry airstrips and many are accesable by road as well.  Therefore, the road at the top of the airstrip also warned cars to stay off!

Deadwood Airstrip, Idaho, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images. 

Here is the view from the other side of the airstrip.  It is 1500 feet long with 8% slope and a beautiful lake on the end.  It was very similar to some of the airstrips I visited in Mexico (except for the lake) and was a lot of fun.  

 

After leaving deadwood we made our way back to Boise where I shot a few instrument approaches and then broke it off to do even more short field work in the Snake River area.  Overall, my MAF flying skills came back very fast and I had a blast getting brushed up on things.  However, today might have also been my last landing on terra firma for a while.  After we finish language school, we have been assigned to serve at a float plane base in Kalimantan  (landing on rivers).  More on that later...

Bush Flyin' Again

Idaho Bush Flying, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

These past few days I have been busy flying with an MAF instructor dusting off the cobwebs of my MAF flying skills in Idaho. It seems to be coming back well and I am having a blast. We have been doing some great airwork, terrain flying, and lots of landings and takeoffs into short dirt patches they call airstrips. Tomorrow should conclude my flying refresher. We are heading north into the mountains to do a little more intense flying at some even more challenging airstrips. Can't wait!

Road Trip - Lake City, Colorado

San Juan Moose, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

Knowing that our days are literally numbered here in our home area, there are a few places that we want to see before we launch out to Indonesia. Yesterday, we enjoyed a beautiful drive to Lake City, Colorado and saw some stunning scenery. On the way home Rebecca even spotted this young moose sitting next to the side of the road. At first all we saw was a big black shape in the shadows. We though it was a bear. After we stopped the car however we realized the black shape for it's true form...a rare sight on public roads in Colorado.

Back Roads

Colorado's Wet Mountain Valley, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

A few days ago we had to make a return trip to Pueblo two hours away in order to buy more typhoid vaccination. We had already done this at the end of May, but Rebecca and I forgot about our pills midway through the vaccination schedule. Then I started traveling and all hope was lost to try and get back on schedule. So, we took the highways and interstates to make our appointment time, and five minutes later I spend another $55 for 4 pills and we were ready to come home.

Rather than return on the highways and interstates however, we decided to take the back roads home and enjoy the prime of summer in one of the Unions prettiest states. It was a beautiful drive. But, we found ourselves at the side of the road in the picture above not to take a picture, but to clean up the spilled chocolate milk Madison had showered all over the back seat. That's another good story and another reason to drive an older model, paid off car.

Countdown

Big Meadows Reservoir, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

Seven more days in our hometown! WOW! Looking over our past year and what God has done in us, and through us and the speed at which it all has happened is amazing.

We received word that our visas are actually in process, on step 2 of 3. From experience, those at MAF HQ are telling us still 3-4 more weeks until all the steps are completed. Please continue to pray that the process continues smoothly.

Noise Converters

Potato Spraying, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

During the summer months, you don't have to drive very far to hear a very unique sound...that of the local crop dusters converting Avgas into a lot of noise and thrust.

The local pilots got an early start this morning and were actually spraying all the fields surrounding our house. After we finished up an early morning phone call to Indonesia (it was evening there) I went out and grabbed a few shots of the Grumman Ag Cat working it's magic. It also happened to be piloted by one of my flight instructors from years ago. He took me through my instrument rating, commercial, and CFII tickets. Nathan and Becky, if you were wondering why it was so noisy when we were talking to you, now you know why.

A Very Happy 4th of July Weekend

Alamosa Fireworks Display, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

As noted on Rebecca's blog, this was a great weekend spent making many memories with both sides of the family. Last night we burned the midnight oil and kept the little girls up late for the local fireworks display. It was a blast and the weather was perfect. I was experimenting with taking pictures of the fireworks, something I have never done before. I had read about it some online and gained a few tips. Several of them turned out pretty neat. The rest can be seen on my photo album. What a blessing it is to live in the country we do, and enjoy the freedoms and luxuries that most only dream about. As we gear up to move to the other side of the planet soon, we have really been trying to soak up the small things that will be 3-4 years until we enjoy them again.

Made it Back Home

Potato Sprinkler Sunrise, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

I arrived as planned back home to Colorado to 4 very excited girls. It was great to be back together and have the fellowship of my family after having been gone 3 weeks without them.

Since I have been home, we have been busy getting our shipment finished, appointments to the dentist and eye doctor, and all the other little things like wills and powers of attorney that need to get done. We are planning on leaving from Colorado to Idaho in about 2 weeks. Still no word on our work visas for Indonesia, so we covet your prayers with us for them. We know God has perfect timing, and we are just trying to be flexible to see what God would have for us wherever we are.

Homeward Bound

Mt. Hood, Oregon, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

After three weeks of drinking from a fire hose in the name of training, I am on my way home to Colorado. My girls should be en-route to pick me up at KABQ in a few hours. We aren't driving straight home however. We have one more church to share at during this "tour" of deputation. We are driving straight to Pagosa Springs from KABQ and then home tomorrow afternoon when church is over. Our next three weeks is sure to get crazy, so we would appreciate your prayers as we prepare to leave for Indonesia in July.

Show and Tell

Pratt and Whitney PT6A-27 Engine Cutaway, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

One of the great things I have enjoyed about my recent training are the numerous parts and cutaways they have to show us as they explain the intricacies of turbine power. For you techie/geeky people out there, I thought you would like this cutaway of a Pratt and Whitney PT6A-27 engine. This is the same engine used in some Beechcraft Kingairs and the DeHaviland Twin Otter. It even has a switch on the side to motorize all of the parts so you can really get a good idea of how everything moves in relation to it's neighbors. This is a very good tool for a visual learner like me.

One of a Kind

Boeing 40, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

This afternoon we had the pleasure of hearing a unique sound...a Pratt and Whitney Wasp engine bolted onto the front of a Boeing 40, the only one of it's kind flying in the world today. It was neat to imagine the things this airplane has seen since it was made in the 1920's, and the countless stories it's pilot's could tell. The aircraft is based at the same airport that I am training at, Felts Field, WA. Last month, it had the opportunity to fly alongside the new Boeing 787 for a photo shoot. The pictures can be found online.

Father's Day

Father's Day BBQ, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

Yesterday for Father's Day I was invited to nearby Coeur d'Alene, ID. to spend the day with family. Rebecca's Great Uncle and family live there, and they extended the invitation to me to spend Father's Day with them. They treated me like royalty and showed me all around the beautiful area they call home. Northern Idaho is stunningly beautiful and they pulled out the stops to show it to me.  Although I didn't get to see my girls for this Father's Day, this will nonetheless be a Father's Day to remember.  Thanks guys!!!

A Break from the Classroom

Air Soft Game, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.
 

This morning I was invited to do something I had never done before...play airsoft. It was a great time "safely" shooting at each other in a number of various games. I thought our picture was pretty funny though. We look like a bunch of rednecks getting ready to shoot up the woods, and anything that would cross our path. I only came home with minor bumps and marks. However, some of the other guys had some pretty good marks on their necks and arms.  They should have stayed out of my sights!

Field Trip

Quest Aircraft Co. Factory, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

Today we took the afternoon and traveled to Sandpoint, Idaho to visit the Quest Aircraft Company factory. We had planned on doing this field trip tomorrow but due to poor weather in the Pacific Northwest we were not able to get our turbine test cell outside. So we bumped our field trip up a day and postponed our outside noise making until tomorrow.

It was fascinating to be able to tour this aircraft factory. The process of taking an aircraft from concept to flight is mind boggling, and the smart people that make it happen are amazing. Some of the tooling and manufacturing processes that were happening in the factory were very neat to see. It was interesting to see where all the aircraft materials are delivered at one end of the factory, and roughly the distance of a football field later finished aircraft are rolling out of the door from the opposite end.

The New Guy (airplane)

Kalimantan Quest Kodiak, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

What does every isolated jungle village need? A red and white MAF airplane and lots of mutt dogs of course. The aircraft in the back is one of the reasons I am going through training in Spokane, WA. This photo was taken on the island of Kalimantan, Indonesia; our future home. Take a peak at this blog to read about the pilot who took this picture.

I can't say for sure if and/or when I will be flying this aircraft, but I will no doubt be helping to maintain it and others similar to it. While my brain has been overloaded with great information and training since last week, I can already see the value of this in-depth maintenance training and how it will come in to play when we arrive in Kalimantan.

Hands on Training

Turbine Engine Training Cell, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

After a hard week of learning the ins and outs of a PT6A engine, we were able to get out the training engine today and make a bunch of noise. This test cell is the same engine used on a Cessna Caravan. I will be operating this engine numerous times over the next few days to learn proper starting techniques, engine adjustments and diagnostics. It was pretty thrilling to start this big turbine today and smell the jet fuel burning and feel the thrust tugging at the chains anchoring the test cell to the ground. If these engines are not operated and started correctly they like to throw pieces of molten metal out of their sides and in turn bring the airplanes down that they are attached to. Thankfully, when they are treated with care and respect they are some of the most reliable engines in the world.

Airport Exploring

Helio Courier on Floats, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

After class today, I set out with a classmate to find the Felts Field water-port. It is illegal to land a float plane on public water in Colorado (I think) so you don't see float planes very often. After a little searching we found the nearby section of the Spokane River that is used by the local float plane fleet. It was very beautiful.

I have one more day of class going over the current curriculum of intense turbine engine know how. I have Sunday "off" and I'm looking forward to it. I am extremely grateful for this training but there is only so much a brain (at least mine) can take before it needs a rest.  Then on Monday I'll return for 2 more weeks of class.