It's hard to be brief about this, because there have been so many lessons, trials and victories that I have both lived and witnessed - and many more that I know very little about...
Three days into my new job, I was told of a new aircraft design that my boss had rattling around in his head. While I was intrigued, I was skeptical. I grew up living airplanes, dreaming of flying in the military or for missions, and I knew that many designs made little more than paper in a drawer in some empty building somewhere. I knew the mentality of the aviation types - a full head of steam comprised of crazy new concoctions pressurized with more enthusiasm than money.
One fellow stated it best by asking me one day, "Do you know how to make a little money in aviation?"
I thought hard, because I hate being ignorant, but I had no idea. "No."
"Well, you start with a LOT of money..." he laughed...
Now you start to get the picture, but we haven't even scratched the surface of all the challenges involved with producing a new aircraft.
Tom, my boss, owner of Aerocet was at the heart of all of this. Dave Voetman, MAF career missions pilot and Tom met many years ago and though I don't know the specifics, I perceive that this was a pivotal moment, perhaps the actual beginning of what would eventually become the Kodiak. That was around 17 years ago...
Some men dream of doing great things, others of great money, others of great power. Some of us don't even dare dream. Tom is in the first group - but his dreams came in the forms such as, "Wouldn't it be neat to pack everything up in one of these airplanes, and fly into some jungle strip, and hand some missionary the keys? 'It's all yours now...'"
Throughout the Kodiak project, he has kept a picture of Dave Voetman in Africa holding a tiny child with a distended belly - this picture is one of the windows into the heart of these guys and the team who has since built the Kodiak.
The need isn't just the food, supplies and the meds. The need was for replacements for aging aircraft that even when useable, were increasingly maintenence intensive. There are fewer mission pilots now too. Ever-increasing cost in training leaves many would-be-pilots stateside to pay off the debt - among other things, perhaps. Many missions aircraft are dependant on AvGas, which is becoming less available in some places. Where it can be gotten, it can come at a dear price.
From the start the Kodiak was intended to meet needs raised by the mission pilots and mechanics. Design parameters included wingspan, fuel type, maintenance in the field and a host of other considerations - all met in this airplane.
I got some pictures today that help to remind me why I am here. This is a good day. Some days, well, you'd like to hope there were more good days.
There is a struggle hidden in every day. Someone, somewhere finds a "problem" and decides to make it yours; or perhaps you find your own problem and you have to find a way to fix it. Some days, I have a hard time seeing past the count-down to home. The constant barrage of reality wears you down from the inside out.
So, today, I am allowing myself to remember the story of this 17 year effort and I am taking comfort in the notion that God's purposes are bigger than my own. He has some kids out there that need help - my trouble is worth that, isn't it?
I had little to do with the Kodiak, except some rib drawings once upon a time. Those are long gone, I am sure, but I am privileged to have watched and learned first hand how God's ends are met - whatever the challenges or heart-wrending along the way.
The Quest Aircraft Team has all my best wishes and thanks...
Lord, help me to be faithful to you. Lead me not into trials, but victory. I ask You to help me get something useful done for Your kingdom today. Bless the efforts of those who've dedicated their lives for your service...
The above pictures are taken in New Guinea. This Kodiak is in service with JAARS (Jungle Aviation And Radio Service - http://www.jaars.org/. The Kodiak is designed and built at Quest Aircraft in Sandpoint. http://questaircraft.com/
In [His] service, I hope that this is a "good day" for you as well...
