The journey of our airplane began in 1982 when it was assembled in Wichita, KS and it found its' way here, to Alaska. Cape Smythe Air service utilized the aircraft moving people and cargo to the northern most parts of the state. By the time they were done with the aircraft, it had over 17,000 hours on the airframe. More time than most retired airplanes.
Here's an old advertisement for Cape Smythe. You can see a “Cessna 207” listed in their fleet the 5th line down from the top.
Then, a couple of buddies had an idea for a small air taxi service in Peru. They purchased our airplane, and brought it to their shop in Enid, Oklahoma for refurbishment. There, it was put in a corner as a “side” project to be done when they had time away from doing other aircraft refurbishing for their clients. One day, a man named Frank, later to become a consultant for our project in Gabon, would visit this hangar on other business. He took notice of the aircraft in the corner and one day, after completing a 2nd aircraft evaluation for us that, again, turned out “not so positive”, he recalled this airplane that he saw years ago.
Our consultant put in a call to the owner who told him that plans for the air taxi in Peru had fizzled and that “yes”, he would be interested in selling the airplane. It was still in the corner and he had been slowly doing a thing or two on it and starting it up regularly. Frank paid a visit, our team prayed it over, and we decided it was the airplane for our program.
Now that the aircraft was in the hands of a client, the owner put the project into hi gear. Corrosion removal was of key importance. As you can see, they did a very thorough job of gutting the airplane.
Here, you can note the addition of the cargo pod under the aircraft. You can also see that, under the wings, all the inspection panels were removed, plus the fairings along the struts and landing gear. New windows were installed.
Watching this come together has been great. The search for the right aircraft was about a 2 year process. We made around 10 other serious inquiries regarding other aircraft and sent Frank to evaluate to others (one in AZ and one in FL) that didn't “cut the mustard”. It was great to finally have the search over and see things moving forward.
Here, you can see the addition of the engine cowling. Note- Thanks to a generous gift from an anonymous donor, we will be installing a brand new 300 horsepower engine and Hartzell propellor on the aircraft after it returns to OK from the paint and avionics shop! We are so thankful for this out pouring of generosity!
Here, the technician is reattaching the pilot's door.
Then, it was time for the test flight to prepare for the flight to the paint and avionics shop in Arkansas. In this picture, you'll notice the props are moving and we haven't changed the tail number. The tail number “N9950M” was assigned during the original assembly at the Cessna factory.
This is NOT our airplane. However, this is the paint scheme that Alace picked out for us. A solid-colored belly with some ribbons down the side.
Then, the professionals at the paint shop took over. Using colors that our team agreed on, the design guys at the paint shop put together this rendering.
So, the aircraft arrived in Arkansas and the preparation began. Besides the windows being taped up, you can see that the flaps and ailerons have all been removed.
Here you can see that they've also removed the wing tips, landing gear fairings, strut fairings, tail cone, and rudder.
Withe the wheels and propellor covered, the primer goes on.
A good primer supports the paint job well. Speaking of support, this aircraft represents the gifts of over 300 individuals. We are so grateful for the team work from so many. Memorial gifts have also been made in the name of my nephew, Jacob Straw, and a great family friend, Ray Haushalter. We can't say “thank you” enough to their families.
Financial support and prayer support is happening from all parts of the world! When this aircraft serves the “least of these” it will be a team effort.
After the plane is painted white, the areas that will remain white are taped up. to get ready for the color.
VOILA! The color makes all the difference! ...plus the remobal of all that tape and coverings. It's now sitting in an adjacent hangar from the paint shop where it will undergo the avionics upgrades. For all you “wing-nuts” out there... Garmin Audio Panel, Garmin 430 GPS/Nav/Com, KX 165 Nav/Com, Wx 500 Strike Finder, 6 point CHT/EGT, and more.
The wingtips are on as well. the flash from the camera makes it appear a slightly different shade. You'll notice our logo on the tail looks incomplete. This is because the rudder is still off. Once it's on, the logo will be complete.
The tail number has changed to “N207FD”- “207” because it is a Cessna model 207 and “FD” for the French of “Son of God” or “Fils de Dieu”. In pilot lingo, it will be “November-Two-Zero-Seven-Foxtrot-Delta”. It's the hottest Cessna 207 out there! Thank you team! We serve a Great GOD!
