Video: A-10 Repaired and Returned to Service

The Air Force mechanics completed their repair of the hydraulic leak on the A-1o's left main landing gear late last evening. Before returning the aircraft to service they needed to test the repair by jacking the aircraft off the ground and then raising and lowering the landing gear.

When it came time to "swing the gear" the Air Force team honored MMS by inviting Dwight to conduct the test.

Air Force mechanics jack the A-10 off the ground.

Dwight prepares to raise and lower the landing gear.

MMS Hosts an A-10 Thunderbolt

It seems that after the airshow one of the Air Force A-10 Thunderbolts developed a hydraulic leak on its left main landing gear. Imagine our surprise when we came in Monday morning to find a ground-attack fighter inside Hangar C. Maybe I should say found it "filling" Hangar C.

The Air Force brought in a crew of mechanics to return the aircraft to service and they've been making the repair for two days now. This afternoon they hope to do a "gear swing" to test the repair and, if all goes well, return to their base.

Here's a video of the A-10 giving a flight demonstration Friday evening.

Here's the A-10 inside Hangar C.

Here's the A-10 outside the hangar.

If all goes well this afternoon, I'll be able to post the gear swing and maybe a departure video tomorrow. We'll see...

Birds of a Different Feather At MMS

Friday evening several "birds of a different feather" came to roost overnight in Hangar C. With "Wings Over Coshocton," the Coshocton County bi-annual airshow, kicking off the next morning, MMS opened Hangar C so the air show pilots could store their airplanes indoors. These aren't your typical missionary aircraft!

Prior to pulling their aircraft onto our ramp and positioning them in our hangar, each pilot flew a good portion of their aerobatic routine for a select audience of press representatives, VIPs and maybe a missionary or two who had chosen to hang around after hours.

The Air Force brought two A-10s as part of the show. We'll have more on the A-10 in tomorrow's post.

Dave Dacy's Super Stearman in action.

Super Stearman at Hangar C.

Iron Eagles in action.

One of the Super Christen Eagle 1 aircraft flown by the Iron Eagle Aerobatic Team taxis up to Hangar C.

Pitts Special outside Hangar C.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt takes off from Coshocton.

Video: Inspection, Repair, and Return to Service of GCI's Cessna 310

Here's a clip of Josh, Terry, and Tim working their way through the recent annual inspection of Gospel Carrier Internationals' Cessna 310.

In The Home Stretch: LAMP's Cessna 337

The LAMP Cessna 337 which we're preparing for ministry in Canada is nearing completion. There's a high level of activity around the airplane as the remaining interior squawks are completed, the final airframe discrepancies are addressed, and the last details of engine rigging take place on both the front and rear engines. A deadline has been set for "roll-out and engine runs" on or before October 1st.

The 337 in Hangar A.

Chuck installs windows.

Jim finalizes some wiring placement.

Dennis and Mark install a de-ice boot on the left wing.

Paul rigs the rear engine.

This aircraft has been a major restoration project which has provided excellent training opportunities, and multiple challenges, for staff and apprentices alike. Thanks for being part of it through your gifts and your prayers.

The Rest of the Story from Gabon, Africa

Dale, Paul, and Andy have been in Gabon, Africa disassembling and crating a damaged Cessna 207 for shipment to Coshocton, Ohio so it can be repaired here at MMS.

Here are the blog links that give the rest of the story of their trip.

Gabon, Africa: Day 2

Gabon, Africa: Day 3

Gabon, Africa: Day 4

Gabon, Africa: Day 5

An Update From Gabon Africa

Here's an update on Dale, Paul, and Andy in Gabon, Africa from the pilot of the plane they're disassembling for shipment to MMS. Click on the link below to visit his blog and see how the process is coming along!

Arrivals And Departures