Ron met me (Paul) on a Saturday morning late in January. He greeted me with, "Are you ready to work hard?" With 18,000 hours of flight time logged in helicopters he (Ron) could fly the 206 in his sleep. He showed me the basics, from how to start the 206 to landing on a small cart used to move the aircraft into the hanger. Time between flights was spent in the classroom going over safety and limitations, weight and balance, and load parameters. The first hour in the cockpit was for getting acquainted with the 206 and how it handles. The second hour was dedicated to off-sight work in the hills east of Red Bluff. I was landing in challenging spots (a riverbank, a hole in a grove of trees, a narrow gravel road, an outcropping of rock...). You get the idea. The last hour I practiced emergency procedures. At the end of the day Ron asked if I had learned anything. I answered in the affirmative. Ron's comment to me was, "I learned I still like to fly." You know it was a good day when your instructor still likes what he's doing after spending the day with you. A welcome statement for me to hear!
The journey toward serving as a missionary pilot in Costa Rica has been exciting as God has guided us providentially. The whole idea of helping to pioneer an emergency medical flight service is huge. We are blessed in the process and, best of all, God gets the glory! As I take account of what God has done so far, I am gently reminded of what the main objective is: people being introduced to Jesus Christ. If you've read the previous postings you will remember Marcelo, a young man who embraced Jesus during my visit to Costa Rica in April 2011. I look forward to meeting more Marcelos and having the opportunity to introduce them to Jesus while serving as an aviator.
Two recent developments with Aero Vital (c) include 1) the blue 206 JetRanger pictured below and 2) two local Christian businessmen getting involved. The helicopter is in Costa Rica and waiting to be used for emergency medical flights. The Costa Rican businessmen who own this aircraft want to help AeroVital (c) get off the ground (pun intended) by providing the 206 at a reduced rate and free office space. These are two answers to prayer!
There are a couple of items that loom large on my radar - improving my Spanish and preparing for a commercial pilots exam. The exam consists of a written test (in Spanish) and a practical test (demonstrating proficiency in flying). Even though I currently hold a commercial rating here in the U.S. I will need to take a test in Costa Rica. It is a translated version of the one we take in the States, so it will be somewhat familiar.We are in the process of raising funds for our departure. The $2,000 for flight currency and annual flight physical, has been donated. Thank you!
Current needs:
Transportation
$3,000 - Airfare
Language School - The Spanish Language Institute provides instruction to missionaries. With 70 years experience, they have a worldwide reputation for their excellent academic training and effective methods. Cost is broken down as follows.
$3,600 - Tuition and fees
$8,200 - Housing with a local family
Monthly Living Expenses (Currently we receive commitments for 15% of our monthly budget.)
$2,500 - Additional per month
Pray that we meet people who share our vision for reaching the people of Costa Rica for Christ and want to partner with us financially and in other practical ways. Are you a part of a home Bible study or fellowship gathering? We would love to meet with you and share about our ministry. Just give us a call at 541-951-1986 to arrange a time and location.
In His service,
Paul & Bridget Abbott
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