Curt Dimmick and I just completed some new videos of the Super Cub. Check the Vimeo video links below. We flew out to an island on Lake Buchanan where we have landed in the past. The landing area had grown up in weeds and reeds so we took a weed cutter along. After an hour of slinging and stomping, the landing area was in reasonable condition again, so we shot some footage from the airplane and from the surface to give folks a sense of what this kind of flying is like. I hope you enjoy it.

http://player.vimeo.com/video/17003775?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0

http://player.vimeo.com/video/17003587?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0

http://player.vimeo.com/video/17003387?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0

Hi Folks!
Join me in congratulating Jacob Friesenhahn for completing his Private Pilot Checkride last week in Brownwood! Way to go Jacob!

He endured a slight weather delay due to low ceilings and then won the battle with gusty winds the remainder of the day. As he said about the winds, “it wasn’t any different than what I had dealt with the couple of days prior! So why not get it done?!” Good for you Jacob for not letting the winds spook ya or keep you from doing a good (no, GREAT) job!
See ya ’round the airport!

Please join me in congratulating Doug Adair for completing his first solo flight in the Remos GX today. After some simulated instrument work and his first landings on a grass runway at Llano- he took to the skies himself. Doug said post flight as he floated into the FBO- “I’ve waited all my life to do that!”
Congrats Doug! We look forward to continued success as you finish your Sport Pilot License!!

 

Now that I’ve had some time to reflect on the whole experience, I would like to share some thoughts about what it meant to me. Although Curt and I have discussed many of these lessons, I am sure each of us has a different perspective on the experience. In no particular order, here are some of mine.

1. If you feel called to help, don’t let anything or anyone stop you. In retrospect, we spent too much time trying to figure out how we could fit our abilities, resources and resolve into other people’s relief efforts. Once we decided to trust our faith that we could make a difference, and that somehow, the necessary support would be forthcoming, we were able to focus on the mission. You still must do your homework, but you must avoid “paralysis by analysis” and know, that if it is the right thing to do, just do it. Somehow it will all work out.

2. Remember to look at the big picture. Inevitably, your view is narrow. While your efforts are important, they are only a small part of an immense undertaking in which many people are making contributions to the overall effort. Many of them do not get to see the results of their work, so be sure to share your experience with them and thank them for their help.

3. Expect and accept that everything will not go as planned. Just do the best you can and realize that others are doing the same.

4. For pilots, watch out for “mission completion bias”. Don’t let the urgency of the effort alter your judgement. Remember that the laws of physics and gravity are not changed by the fact that you really want to get something accomplished.

5. Finally, know that you will receive more than you give. Your effort makes a difference. Expect to be changed in significant ways. Don’t be surprised when your perspective about your own problems is altered. The rewards of shared sacrifice, effort and accomplishment of difficult goals in service to others are priceless.

Remember, life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.

Fair Skies,

Ken

Headed Home!

We have been home since Wednesday and I think we are finally getting reoriented to the daily schedules and routines of our regular lives. Homecoming was wonderful with friends and family happy to have us safely back. However, for both Curt and me, there is a lingering bittersweetness of a task not quite complete. We are quietly proud to have been able to help some people in an unimaginably bad situation, but we are completely aware that so much more is needed. While we have most likely done all we can for this effort, we are also comtemplating what we can do going forward.

We want the Flight Assist program to continue and grow in a way that will allow us to respond more quickly to the next event where general aviation can once again provide the critical airlift capability necessary to support relief efforts. We are discussing how this might happen, defining goals and making plans for the future. It seems to me, that we should establish a network of disaster relief teams, many of whom are faith based, and let them know how general aviation aircraft and pilots can participate in their efforts. So that is our immediate direction. Please stay tuned for more as we move forward. Again, Curt and I would like to thank all of you for your interest, prayers and contributions towards our fuel expense. It has been an incredible journey.

Fair Skies,

Ken

We departed Mobile at 8:30 AM, IFR to Burnet. The storms overnight had moved northeast, leaving overcast skies and gusty winds behind. As we levelled at 4000, trying to avoid the worst of the headwind, we were in solid clouds but had a smooth ride. Groundspeed was a respectable 155 knots, so we were pleasantly surprised. After a few minutes we emerged between layers and exchanged pleasant “good mornings” with the ATC controllers. I think both Curt and I were excited to start the final leg towards home. The further west we flew, the more the weather improved until we left most of the clouds behind in east Texas. Bright sunshine and clear skies greeted us as we crossed the Sabine into Texas after 8 days. By the end of the journey, we covered 7500 miles, flew 50 hours, delivered 1700 pounds of critical supplies along with 2 passengers and ate way too many bologna sandwiches.

As we approached the Hill Country, I told Curt how much I appreciated his faith and hard work. He has truly made this trip manageable. It is simply too hard to do alone, in my opinion. Curt has seen things that many pilots never experience and I believe both of us will remember this time with a warm sense of accomplishment and joy in this task. As I have already said, we deeply appreciate all of you who made the journey with us. And I wish God Speed to those who will come after.

As we taxiied in, Curt’s family was there to greet us, kids so excited to have daddy home, balloons and all. After the engine stopped, we sat motionless for a few minutes, shutting down the airplane for the last time, listening to the faint whine of gyros spinning down, just enjoying the last moments of this incredible experience. For both of us there was a bittersweet feeling that, while our immediate work is done for now, there is much left to do. Now, we will recap the trip in photos, video and writings, then share this with any group who would like to hear from us. We still have a lot of money to raise if we hope to cover our basic costs, and possibly return in a few weeks.

We headed home this morning, leaving Nassau around 8:00 AM, on our way to Ft. Lauderdale to clear U.S. Customs and turn in our raft and life vests. By 10:30, we were on the move again towards Mobile, Alabama, where we planned to stop for fuel and lunch, before the last leg home. Once again,weather intervened.  As we neared the Mobile area, thunderstorms and heavy rain to the west turned our lunch stop into another unplanned overnight stop. Fortunately, my long-time buddy Richard and his wife Sue live here, so Rich met us at the airport, took us to lunch and on to his house to wait out the weather. Soon, it became obvious that continuing today was not in the cards, so we are here for the night. Sue prepared a wonderful meal that Curt and I scarfed down like the hungary pilots we were. Then,  we setttled in the living room to share some of our experiences from the last week. More importantly, because Richard and I are so close, having had many adventures together and having helped each other through the trials and tribulations that all of us experience, I was able to begin processing the whole Haiti relief experience.  As Curt and I visited with Richard and Sue about what it was like to be there, I think we both have started to reflect on the emotions and the effects of the last 8 days. Richard asked if we would have any post traumatic stress from being involved. It is an interesting question that I don’t have a ready answer for. Mostly I have many half formed thoughts and fragments of memories of the people and places we encountered. As we have written these reports, Curt and I have tried to share their stories with you. These volunteers have made, and are continuing to  make the committment at no small cost, to show up and do the best they can to help people they will likely never know. The people of Bahamas Habitat, Cameron, and Matt… the volunteers, Sharif, Paul, James, Andy, Shaun and Greg….the pilots who have flown their general aviation airplanes before we arrived, and who will fly again tomorrow and the next days and weeks to come, despite the difficulties, the cost and the distance, to bring people and supplies to the remote regions of Haiti… all are special. The thousands who donated the medical supplies or sent contributions to fund this work are an important and unrecognized asset as well. Admittedly I also have a few uncertainties about the impact we had on the overall event. The devastation is so widespread and those poor people are in such desperate condition, that it truly is hell on earth. That is the reality and it is difficult to accept that no matter what so many good people have done and are doing, Haiti will need much, much more over the coming months and years. On balance, I know it was important for us to go.  Having friends who have supported us with prayers and some of the funding required, and most of all, having a wife who whole-heartedly encourages me put aside the reservations about the challenges and to simply follow the call, means more than I know how to express.  I do know is that I am truly blessed.

Fair Skies

Ruth on the way home

We got an extra special mission today. Ruth Scott, who works in Haiti with Agape Flights, needed a ride back to Les Cayes, where her husband was waiting. Ruth has been visiting family in Texas for a month. When in Haiti, she and her husband work to help missionaries with all sorts of administrative tasks so they can be more effective. Ruth has lived and worked in Haiti for years now and has a dedication to service that is simply amazing. Despite the challenges of being so far from home, she and her husband know this is where they need to be.

The flight from Nassau to Provo, then on to Les Cayes featured the best weather of the whole trip. Skies were partly cloudy with a strong tailwind on the way south. We refueled again in Provo then took off for Haiti.

Curt does the Customs Paperwork in Provo

 After levelling at 9,500 we settled in for the two hour ride. As we approached the coast, the clouds had built high enough that we needed to climb on up to 11,500 to clear the build-ups. Once we crossed the south coast, we were out in the clear air again. We descended all the way to 1500 on the way into Les Cayes, following another airplane who was bringing supplies in also.

Mr. & Ms. Scott in Les Cayes...together again!

After landing and taxiing in, we unloaded supplies and visited with Paul, the other pilot. He had  been flying between Santo Domingo and Les Cayes for the last couple of days, bringing supplies that had arrived in the Dominican Republic. He let us know there is now over 500 tons of relief materials and goods to be brought in with no pilots available. What an opportunity if someone wants to get involved! The distance is much less, allowing several round-trips to be made in a day.

Curt completed the paperwork with the official at the Customs office and we walked outside to depart. In the distance, we could hear a church service underway. At the airport fence, a group of kids begged for food, making it a bittersweet moment as we settled in to begin the long ride home. For this is the farthest point southwest in our remarkable journey. Every mile from this point brings us closer to friends and family in Texas. As we climbed again above the building clouds and set a course for Provo, we had some time to review the video that Curt will upload tonight. I hope it helps you see what we have seen. A gathering of people who met as strangers from around the U.S. as well as from other countries, who quickly become bound by the shared experience of this time. The love and compassion demonstrated by these folks towards people in almost unimaginable circumstances is an inspiration to Curt and me. We have been here for such a short time, before returning to the security and comfort of home. We carry the memories of so many unique sights, sounds and events from the last week along with us. One more night in the warehouse and we’ll be headed home. We still have a long trip back so we hope for an early start.

When we arrived at Banyan Air Center this morning, we were told the repairs to the vacuum system were complete and we were good to go. We taxiied over to Hangar 70, visited with Andy and loaded as many boxes of health kits and various other medical supples as would fit. This time, the weight was not a factor, but we ran out of room. We squeezed the door shut and departed IFR for Nassau. The weather over Florida was going downhill with lowering ceilings and rain, so we were happy to turn east over the ocean. It is only a little more than an hour’s flying time to MYNN so soon we were down and parked.

Here is what we brought from Ft. Lauderdale today

 We have now unloaded and hope to return this afternoon for another load but the weather may make that impossible. Meanwhile I have an opportunity to update yesterday’s post with some of the photos. We are also starting to interview and video some of the pilots and relief workers to give you a better sense of the individual stories that define this mission. I hope you will keep all of them in your prayers.

I received the following message from our team at Bahamas Habitat. In it, you can read about the work so far and the clear message that the job is far from over. If any pilots are interested in assisting, this will explain how to get involved. Keep in mind, however, flying in this environment is challenging and requires aircraft with sufficient range and speed to make the trips safely, particularly from Nassau to Haiti. I would be happy to provide whatever insights and advice possible if you decide to go.

Message follows:

THANK YOU for volunteering! 

We are praising GOD for your help . . .

 

Due to the rapid and generous response of so many of you that volunteered we are pleased to provide you this update of results to date.

Grace and peace to you! 

 

Words truly can never express our gratitude for all you’ve done to serve the people of Haiti.  Because you took action, lives have been saved, pain has been lessened, and most importantly, you brought them hope.  The incredible investment of your time, money, and skills is recognized and appreciated!  

 

Since Bahamas Habitat mobilized for our brothers and sisters in Haiti,  so much has been accomplished. Through you and other pilots,  (100+)  aircraft of all shapes and sizes have been involved.

• 250,000 lbs+ of supplies and equipment have been delivered including: medical, surgical, food, portable x-ray machine, oxygen concentrators
• 100+ medical staff and humanitarian personnel flow in and out of Haiti
• 70+ people evacuated right after the earthquake

We continue to fly in to Cap Haitien, Jacmel, Jeremie, Les Cayes, La Gonave, Pignon, and Port-au-Prince.
Fewer pilots and planes are available now and yet the desperate need in Haiti remains…people are starving.  Our plan is to continue operations through the end of March at minimum, with five or more planes flying per day.  Thanks to an excellent volunteer team, the warehouse is running smoothly and donations continue to arrive.  Our challenge is delivering the desperately needed food, materials, and medical supplies and equipment to the people of Haiti.

Would you be willing to come and fly with us again?  It would be a tremendous blessing if you were to make as many runs as you are able, whether that be a few or several, and we’d love to see you again!  

Are there other pilots with planes you would invite to participate or who we can contact? Please let us know and we will follow up!  And, if there are organizations you recommend we contact to get the word out about the need for pilots and support of the air lifts, please send on the information. 

 

From the Bahamas Habitat Team . . .

Check out our Pilot video along with our Latest News to give you a better understanding of the missions and their impact.

 

Quick News Links:

Q.N. #1: We would like to strongly encourage you to refer your pilot friends who have access to aircraft who may like to volunteer to fly either between our state-side supply depots, to our Command Center in the Caribbean, or even to Haiti for the benefit of the effort! Your word of mouth is making a huge impact and we ask that you continue so do so. We appreciate all of your support. To refer your pilot friends, please ask them to go here http://www.bahamashabitat.org/wordpress/?p=1342 and sign up (important) and let them know that they will receive mission opportunities afterwards and can respond to them as they are able to become affirmed & slotted on the schedule. If they do not have access to a computer, then you could fill out the information for them and submit it on their behalf with their permission. Our collective efforts together (as a team) are making an amazing impact!!! 

  

Q.N. #2:

 

Click Here to quickly subscribe now to receive timely progress reports with Bahamas Habitat