Flying for a calling

Hello, I've  always loved aviation, as early as I can remember I have always stopped and looked up in awe as aircraft went overhead.  I've felt called to fly for the benefit of others ever since I read the book Through The Gates Of Splendor as a 14 year old.  Being a missionary pilot is the thing that keeps circling back ever since that time. Helping others in need in remote locations is where  my heart is. 

 

Now at age 38 and in pursuit of that calling I've spent over $36k on the purchase and maintenance of a 1956 Cessna 172. I've done this while trying to complete my private pilots license, which I need the plane fully operational to do so safely.  I've been hampered by hidden damages totaling over $12K to the aircraft, lengthy repairs, and problems finding instruction in my own aircraft, but I've persevered.

 

Last week while attempting to complete a maintenance flight with a pilot friend, a magneto (ignition) check revealed an issue. The mags are old, the plane is old, a 1956. I've owned it since 2015 and been nursing it along mostly on a single income while serving my country in the military, and providing for my family. Training efforts have been made difficult by deployment and forced moves then COVID didn't make it any easier.

 

I want to be safe and able to someday in the very near future, as my time in the military draws to an end, use this old bird to help others in the wilds of Alaska.  In Alaska much of the state has no road access and many need supplies or medical care in remote communities.  The little Cessna can get in and out of these areas, but it will need some healthy preventative maintenance. So I'm asking for help to fund what I believe to be my calling, to help those locked in by hundreds of miles of wilderness in the great state of Alaska.

 

I have always said, you know people show what they care about with their actions.  I've contributed a lot towards this as I know I'm  supposed to use aviation to help others.  Please consider donating so that the old bird is a reliable, safe and airworthy craft well into the future. 

 

Thanks.