Cessna 337 Engine Build-Up and Test Run

The guys recently completed the overhaul, build-up, and test run of the front engine for the LAMP Cessna 337. The plan is to install the engine on the airframe next week and to then begin the overhaul of the 337's rear engine. Once all the engine work is completed and the inspection and reapair of the airframe is done, the 337 will be returned to missionary service in Canada.

From Hangar C to Hangar B: Brazilian 206

Yes it's still snowing. Or rather, it's snowing again...but that doesn't stop the mission effort. Ian and his crew moved the freshly painted Brazilian 206 fuselage from the paint booth back into Hangar B this morning. Lord willing, the wings will soon be ready to attach.

The 206 fuselage taped for paint.

The fuselage after the color coats were applied.

Enjoying the local weather between Hangar C and Hangar B.

Positioning the fuselage in Hangar B.

Ian Pulls the Tape After Painting the Brazilan 206

Our previous video featured Ian as he taped the fuselage of the Brazilian 206 in preparation for shooting the blue, yellow, and green color scheme used by Asas de Socorro. With the three color coats shot, this clip follows Ian as he "unveils" his finished work. While Ian was shooting the paint, Josh and Mark have continued rigging the wings for attachment to the fuselage.

Ian Pulls Tape After Painting the Brazilian 206 from Keith Dodson on Vimeo.

Back in the Hangar, Back on the Video

After being away from hangar the past three days, it's my pleasure to post another video from iside the hangar. Ian is Project Administrator over the restoration of the Cessna 206 for ministry in Brazil. Last week Ian and his team finished painting the wings. This week the final preparations are being made to shoot the color coats of paint on the fuselage. Ian explains a bit about the process in this clip.

Ian Tapes the Brazilian 206 For Paint from Keith Dodson on Vimeo.

Once the color coats are applied, the airplane will nearly be ready for reassembly.

Checking the Weight & Balance of the Honduran 206

After major repairs have been made to an aircraft, it's important to reestablish the weight and balance of the airplane. Knowing the aircraft's empty weight, as well as resestablishing its center of gravity (CG), is critical to its safe operation whether hauling people, cargo, or both. When loading an airplane there are specific guidelines to follow regarding personnel and cargo placement based on the starting CG. Too much weight forward of the CG and the airplane will be nose heavy. Too much weight aft and the aircraft will be tail heavy. Being able to perform a "weight and balance" is an important part of every missionary airplane mechanic's skill set.

Checking Weight & Balance from Keith Dodson on Vimeo.

Hey Paul, What Are You Doing Today?

Paul G. is our newest apprentice mechanic. He's served with us since October and is doing a fine job in the hangar. Paul has substantial experience in the area of Continental aircraft engines and is enjoying learning more about aircraft airframes.

Paul G. 337 Hydraulic Handpump from Keith Dodson on Vimeo.

While Paul works in the hangar, a new winter storm has already dropped two inches of fresh snow outside. We're supposed to have 5-9 inches once this storm finally blows through tomorrow evening.

Video: Hey, Mike, What Are You Doing Today?

Mike came to MMS with a significant background in avionics. His talents in this area have been greatly utilized over the past several years as it's become more common for mission agencies to send us their airplanes asking us to fabricate new control panels, install new navigation and communication equipment, and upgrade their aircraft from "steam gauge" instrumentation to electronic "glass cockpit" technology. Mike's our go-to guy in these situations.

Here's a small sample of Mike doing his thing creating another avionics component out of metal, little boxes, and lots of wire saving our Brazilian mission partner over a thousand dollars for the installation alone.

Mike Installs the MVP50 from Keith Dodson on Vimeo.