Shortages and changes
The rotor blade on the Long Ranger helicopter in Papua New Guinea has been recalled. As there are thousands of Long Rangers world-wide the helicopter will likely be grounded until it can be replaced.
And that’s just one of the problems that missionary Bobby Bagley is facing. He is trying to run the aviation program there without ten key personnel.
Another mission aviation program in the area has lent them one and one-half pilots. One is full-time and the other part-time. They are currently flying the King Air aircraft for the missionaries.
“We only have two of the six senior persons we need to run the program … so there looks to be a need for major changes made in order to comply with the government aviation regulations,” wrote Bobby’s wife, Rhesa.
One of the main concerns is that the shortages and changes will cause an increase in flight charges that will make flights unaffordable for missionaries in remote areas.
The helicopter is a lifeline for remote missionaries in cases of illness or delivering needed supplies.
Please pray with us that the rotor blades on the Long Ranger helicopter will soon be replaced and that the aviation program will be able to continue even with the shortage of personnel. Pray too that the flight costs will not have to be raised.