New Tribes Mission Aviation in Papua New Guinea recently took delivery of a used Long Ranger helicopter. As soon as additional equipment is installed it can be put into service.
This helicopter will replace the Jet Ranger damaged in November, which previously served tribal missionaries in remote locations. Some are so rugged that building an airstrip is impractical; in other cases, missionaries are in the beginning stages of ministry and have not yet built an airstrip.
Ray Finsaas, NTM Aviation helicopter pilot, is excited not only about replacing the helicopter, but also about the new benefits this helicopter will provide to the tribal missionaries.
The Long Ranger has about one-third more cargo space, flies faster and seats two more people than a Jet Ranger.
"Those extra two seats are really going to make a big difference because there are a lot of families that can't fit on the Jet Ranger," Ray said. "Now we'll be able to get their family and their cargo all in one load."
Ray also appreciates the additional safety benefits of the Long Ranger. Extra power allows it to climb over inclement weather, in addition to providing an added margin of safety with a normal load.
Because many Long Rangers are in use in Papua New Guinea, obtaining parts will be quicker and easier. "Many times that [waiting on parts] shut us down for weeks with the Jet Ranger," Ray said.
"The more we look at it, the more we feel that this is the helicopter we needed for here. We have something that fits our needs a lot better."
The Lord worked out many circumstances for NTM Aviation to find a helicopter within Papua New Guinea. "It would have been a lot bigger process getting one from overseas than it would getting it in country like this," said Bobby Bagley, NTM Aviation's chairman in Papua New Guinea. It could have taken more than a year to complete all the necessary paperwork.
Though the helicopter is in the hands of NTM Aviation, it is not yet paid for and ready for service. Among the equipment needed for safe operation in remote areas are an additional radio and a GPS navigation system.
Ray estimates the helicopter will be operational by mid-July or early August.
Roughly 60 percent of the $1.45 million needed has been given already; almost $600,000 is still required for the purchase and additional equipment. Find out how you can take part >>
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