Zach and Jane Keller Just another weblog 
We had a fairly recent change of plans that involve helicopter training and a delayed departure date. We have been a little slow to communicate this but better late than never.
About a month ago we received word that the Philippine field would like to pursue purchasing a helicopter to meet the needs of that field. Helicopters don’t work so well without a pilot so they asked me if I would be interested in getting my helicopter rating. I of course was interested but we were reluctant to delay our departure to the Philippines. After thinking about it (and praying) for a couple of weeks we decided that there were several very good reasons to pursue the rating now rather than later, plus knowing there is a real need makes it much easier.
What this means is that in February I will be going back to Arizona for two months of helicopter training. Jane and the kids will come down for a couple of weeks some time in March. Other than there visit, my life will consist of helicopter training 24/7.
After I get my commercial rating I will come back to Alaska for a few months but this is where things get a little hazy and uncertain. I really need to get about 350 hours of flight time (to meet NTMA requirements) and I am hoping and praying that the Lord will provide that next summer. It is far too expensive to just rent a helicopter for that time so I need to get a job flying. The problem is no one wants to hire a person without experience…it’s a vicious circle.
If things go well and I get enough hours next summer we will be leaving for the Philippines around October. That would delay us about 8 months. We hope it is not more than this but we have no idea what the Lord has in mind. Please pray with us that the training will go smoothly and that I will be able to get my required flight time next summer…oh yeah, and that I will be able to pay for it.
