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| Beginning to unload at 2D1 Mx. |
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| Home at 2D1, Barber Airport. |
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| Here's a tip...! |
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| Nearly in the air again! |
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| Thank you, Thomas, for your help & spending Tuesday behind the Camera! |
Monday, June 16, 2014
First Aircraft!
On Monday, 09 June 2014, I traveled with my nephew, Jeremiah, to pick up a special donation from a dear friend and supporter from our church in Arkansas.
In the couple weeks prior, I received a handful of phone calls from an Arkansas phone number. On the other end was a dear supporter and fellow pilot asking advice about various airplanes, performance, etc. Finally, near the end of one conversation, he informed me that he's trying to buy us an airplane and wondered if it would be of any benefit to the ministry. As we began discussing it in that context, he started work to close the deal and purchase a plane on our behalf.
Early last Monday we loaded up a few tools and supplies and struck out from our home in Canton, Ohio for Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania to receive the gift of a BD4 airplane. The BD4 was the "original kit plane" and has the safest track record of them all. This project plane served well for 247 hours over 7 years and last flew in 1980. It was taken out of commission by it's owner/builder for design improvements. The bulk of the work was completed including a new redesigned vertical stabilizer, nose landing gear, and fuel sumps in the wings...just needed reinstalled.
After loading the plane and additional parts for the return trip we were honored to have supper with the sellers, Michael and Stephen Lanyi, sons of Ernest Lanyi. Through Mike and Steve we got to know a little bit of their father, his passion, and his legacy. Mr. E. S. Lanyi was an engineer who had a heart for people and passion for aviation. Over the years he introduced many to the love of flying, helped them build their own planes, and watched them successfully take to the skies. I am told that he would have been thrilled to know that his legacy has a chance to impact lives around the globe.
I had the privilege of spending Father's Day afternoon with my Beautiful Bride (Thomas & Megan too) checking out the fuel, ignition, and starting systems and getting it to fire. We saw enough success that I think we're nearly ready to hang the wings and leak check the fuel tanks...then we'll run 'er right! We praise The Almighty for this tremendous blessing. Already coined by Forrest Barber "The Malawi Express", I look forward to seeing how God will use it to further the mission of Delivering Hope International! As I continue inspecting and reassembling this blessing I will keep you informed of the progress and any special needs that arise to make her fly again!
