Mike and Kelly McGregor Serving in Papua New Guinea with NTM Aviation 
The past few months have been very busy as I have been studying and flying like crazy preparing for my Helicopter Flight Instructor exam. I was scheduled to take this exam in December, but we ran into a minor setback late November. During a routine oil change, we discovered that there was metal shavings in the oil filter. This was a sign that something was coming apart in the engine and the helicopter had to be grounded immediately. We began the process of removing the engine, but a new engine did not arrive until December. Finally this past week I was able to travel to Phoenix to take my helicopter instructor exam. This exam took most of the day and consisted of an oral portion and a flight. I was so thankful that the Lord gave me peace throughout it and that I was able to pass it on the first attempt. Thank you to those of you who were praying for me on that day.
Starting early February, I will begin teaching two of NTM Aviation’s airplane pilots how to fly the helicopter. The plan is that by the end of the spring I will have taught four NTM airplane pilots how to fly the helicopter. NTM Aviation has had a lot of trouble finding qualified helicopter pilots. Now that their helicopter programs are expanding worldwide, they have a need for more helicopter pilots. Planning ahead, a few of our airplane pilots have been selected to start the training process in the helicopter. I will work with these men training them through their commercial licenses. This will provide me with the remaining time needed in the helicopter before I arrive in PNG.
The plan is that when Kelly and I arrive in PNG this fall, we will spend four to six months in language school and then I will begin the flight checkout process in a Cessna 206 airplane. Once I have gained experience with navigation, weather and radio communications in PNG, I will begin the checkout process to fly the helicopter there. We are thankful to be able to meet the requirements for both aircraft so that we can be used by the PNG field in whatever capacity they need us.
Thank you for continuing to pray for us this spring as we submit our paperwork for PNG Visas as well as prepare to pack and ship our belongings.
Kelly is expecting our second child April 25th. Everything has been going well with the pregnancy. Noah is growing up (he is now 15 months old) and loves to run around. He really enjoys the outdoors and playing at the playground. He is just starting to say a few words. I still have trouble understanding most of them, but is fun to see him trying. Thank you for praying for us as a family. We are excited to be moving to PNG this year even though there are so many unknowns ahead. We have done what we can to prepare and now it is time for us to step out in faith and leave for PNG. We are excited about what the Lord is doing there and how many people still need to be reached with the gospel message. Thank you for praying for our ministry as we serve the Lord aiding the spread of the gospel in PNG.
