MMS Aviation's news about Preparing People and Planes for Worldwide Mission Service

GroundCrew Issue - December 2008 - Page Four

President's Pen - Dwight Jarboe

Something didn’t seem right. A small spring on the engine’s fuel control unit broke. This was the second spring to break in a very short period of time and a new fuel control unit was about to be installed. The pilot/mechanic of the twin turboprop plane decided to call someone to do a little long-distance brainstorming. He called one of the most experienced mechanics he knows—his father, Mike Dunkley, a Team Leader at MMS Aviation.

The fuel control unit was changed, but Mike advised his son to remove and inspect the oil filter. He did, and found shiny bits of steel in there! This is a bad sign in any aircraft engine, but is especially so in a turbine engine where parts rotate at up to 38,000 RPM. During a ground run to check the new fuel control unit a slight vibration was felt in the plane’s rudder pedals. The oil filter was inspected again and a few more steel particles were present. Wisely, it was decided to replace the engine before further flight.

What made Mike think of checking the oil filter? After all, the broken springs were in the fuel control linkage. Because of years of experience maintaining aircraft, Mike has learned to ask good questions. He knew certain turbine engine problems cause high frequency vibrations. The vibration at a spring’s resonant frequency flexes the spring further and further until it breaks.

As Mike told me this, I saw his satisfaction that an in-flight engine failure had been averted. His son avoided a potentially dangerous situation and saved the company he worked for considerable expense.

Mike’s story reminded me of Bezalel and Oholiab. In the Book of Exodus, chapter 35, the Israelites gathered material to build the tabernacle. Moses then told the Israelites, “See, The LORD has chosen Bezalel … and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts … and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. And he has given both him and Oholiab … the ability to teach others.” (ref. vs. 30-35 NIV)

Here at MMS Aviation we aren’t into patron saints; but, I like to think we may be after the order of Bezalel and Oholiab. That is, being filled with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, knowledge, and the ability to teach others. Scripture goes on to tell us, “Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work.”

It is my privilege to work with men and women who are willing to use their God-given ability to Prepare People and Planes for Worldwide Mission Service.

The Kodiak returns to service.

Prayer and Praise

Praise God

... for Dano & Melinda Whited being accepted as members of Wycliffe Bible Translators serving with JAARS. The Whiteds will transition from MMS to Wycliffe in February 2009.

... for several special donations which will help us purchase needed tooling and aviation support equipment.

... for the completion of the Chad 206 restoration project.

... for the progress made on the Honduran 206 project.

Please Pray

... for a quick conclusion for the Honduran 206 project.

... for additional candidates to pursue service with MMS.

... for encouragement and a fresh spirit of service as MMS heads into the cold dark months of winter.

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December 2008 GroundCrew Index

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