IDENTIFYING THE RIGHT AIRCRAFT

Selected type of aircraft: Appendix A contains data summarizing advantages and disadvantages of the different sizes of aircraft. Some considerations not listed in the Appendix include the use of floats and availability of parts. Based on all available information, a medium

Desired characteristics: Whatever the type of model selected, it should ideally be equipped for Short-field Takeoff and Landing (STOL), have anti-corrosion treatment, long-range tanks, a low-to-mid-time engine in the range of 200-600 hours since major overhaul (SMOH), instrument capability, Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system, and an HF radio for 2-way communication over long- distances.

Use of smaller aircraft: Can small aircraft be used safely in bush aviation? Definitely! Each type of aircraft has performance limitations which must be respected. If operated within those limits, safety is assured. Small 2-seater aircraft which have been shown to fly safely in bush conditions include a Piper Cub and Cessna 150 in Peru and a home built Zodiac currently being operated in Tanzania. Though limited in ways, small planes nevertheless provide a means of air transportation at a very low cost per hour.

PURCHASE OF THE PLANE

What about a smaller aircraft? A serious aviation program must plan on serious equipment. This proposal calls for the acquisition of an aircraft whose performance features will meet demands and reach objectives projected over the next 4 to 6 years. Is the viability of an aviation program dependent on purchase of a medium-sized plane? Not at all. In fact, the size of airplane purchased will depend directly on funding that is made available. It must be noted however, that the Plan of Operation presented in this project is contingent on a medium-sized aircraft having at least 4 seats. Though restricted in capacity, range and performance, a small aircraft is economic to operate and can be used effectively to work within a smaller territory. For the purposes of this proposal, it is assumed that sufficient funding will become available to purchase a 4-seat aircraft adequate to carry out this project.

Capital Investment and Operations Budgets: Acquisition of an aircraft, installation of adequate navigation and communication equipment, as well as the annual inspection and compliance is estimated to cost $55,000. Transportation costs which include preparation, fuel, and government permits add another $2,150 making a total Capital Investment of $57,150.

The Annual Operations Budget provides for a minimum of 300 flight hours per year. This not only guarantees adequate flight coverage of the targeted areas, but also provides the pilot with sufficient flight time to keep current. At the same time, a minimum of 300 hours will reduce the cost of operation to $62.17 per hour. This is minimal as compared with air taxi charges of $200 per flight hour. Whereas air taxi operators charge for two round-trips (one to drop the workers off, and one to pick them up a few days later), the mission plane will require only one round trip. See Appendix B for detailed breakdown of the above budgets.

Tax-deductible receipts: All funding is being handled through the Kamarata Missions. This organization, located in Collegedale, Tennessee has been working with the Davis Indians from the Venezuela side for nearly two decades. When they heard about this proposal, they kindly volunteered to provide the necessary tax receipts and to forward every penny to the Guyana project.

Details regarding the organization are as follows:

Kamarata Missions
P.O. Box 1133
Collegedale, TN 37315

Chairman: Pastor Harold Kuebler 423-863-3224
President: Joe Rudd 423-396-9192
Treasurer: Elsie DeLeon 423-396-2322

Funding to date: As of the date of writing this proposal, a total of $12,000 has been committed to the purchase of an aircraft. These funds have not yet been actually received since they depend upon the sale of two cars here in Trinidad. The value listed above is current market value, and the sale price is relatively certain. The decision to donate funds from the sale of these vehicles definitely represents sacrificial giving on part of the owners. The determination of these individuals to make such commitments has been of great encouragement, and places the acquisition of at least a small aircraft within reach.

Other families make commitments: The Guyana Aviation Project has generated excitement not only in Guyana, but also in other countries as well. At least two other families have made commitments to join the Gates family in voluntarily service in the interior of Guyana. These include Carlos and BJ Navarro, who, though having roots in Venezuela, are natives of Trinidad. They attend the Stanmore church, and are relatively new members of the SDA church. The Navarros own and operate a family business, and are actively involved in building-up small congregations around Trinidad. The second is Debbie Gates and her two small boys, Logan and Lance. Debbie, my sister, currently lives in Collegedale, Tennessee where she works in a Chattanooga Coronary Care Unit as a Registered Nurse. She is actively involved in church work, and is currently taking Theology classes at Southern College of SDA. Carlos as well as Debbie also speak Spanish, which will be of great assistance in reaching the Spanish speaking population living along the Venezuelan border of Guyana.

Proposed date to begin operations: The purchase of the aircraft is planned for this coming August. The plane will then be ferried down to Trinidad, which will serve as base for 4-6 weeks, before beginning operations in Guyana. The temporary stop in Trinidad is to allow the Gates family sufficient time to sever current employment connections and to arrange operating permits with the Guyanese government. The date forecast to begin operations in Guyana is therefore late September or early October of 1996.