GAMAS       AVIATION

Allow us for a moment to introduce you to a concept that is the foundation of our entire GAMAS Aviation Program. The idea is what we call "Sustainable Aviation Model" (SAM).    Maybe you've never heard this term before, but I suspect that you can probably figure out the meaning, simply reading the title, and working it out in your mind.  But for the record, allow me to say it in one concise sentence:

 

The GAMAS Aviation goal is to keep all our airplanes in top-notch, airworthy condition, and flying year around throughout Guyana.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This all sounds nice, but what does it really require?  What does this look like practically speaking?

 

We all know that airplanes have a very real cost associated with them, and it goes far beyond the gas that we burn in our engines.  There are the "hidden" costs, like bush tires, spark plugs, oil filters, avionics and instruments, propellers, and even the engine, which periodically needs changing.  

 

Nothing on these airplanes lasts forever... Nothing...  If we intend to safely and efficiently continue in this business of serving and saving lives using small airplanes then we need to seriously think about the long term sustainability of our program.

 

It is estimated that for each hour of flight, an additional hour should be spent in maintenance to fix the snags and squawks that come up.  The need for mission aviation is truly great, and the subtle temptation is to fly more and fix less since missionary donations are so precious.  But by doing this the airplanes very slowly over time, begin to deteriorate.  At various times, it becomes necessary to purchase parts, or pay for maintenance on the aircraft.  This is the "Point of Need" ( or PON).  If the money isn't available at the PON then the airplane slips a little more into the pink zone.  This we want to avoid at all cost. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But neither do we want to go to the opposite extreme and hoard money away in a maintenance account for that "rainy day" expense.  Stashing money in the bank is not an option when lives are on the line.  So we've taken a middle of the road approach.

 

After years of operating these airplanes, and by carefully calculating the replacement cost of most of the major parts, we've identified a fixed dollar amount that we need to budget for each hour of flight.  Surprisingly, the cost is a round figure.  

 

Operating a missionary airplane in the jungle is about $100 per hour of flight.  At first glance that may seem like a pretty high amount of money, but when you think about how this amount will not only keep our airplanes in top airworthy condition for years to come, but also expand our aircraft fleet so that we can reach new areas, ministering to new people, and saving more lives.  When viewed in this manner, the cost is well worth it!  

 

Perhaps you are wondering where the money goes.  Here is a pie graph which shows a complete breakdown for each category that we are budgeting for.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Luke 14:28-33 -- Just imagine that you want to build a tower. Wouldn’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to be sure you have enough to finish what you start? If you lay the foundation but then can’t afford to finish the tower, everyone will mock you:  “Look at that guy who started something that he couldn’t finish!” Or imagine a king gearing up to go to war. Wouldn’t he begin by sitting down with his advisors to determine whether his 10,000 troops could defeat the opponent’s 20,000 troops? If not, he’ll send a peace delegation quickly and negotiate a peace treaty.  In the same way, if you want to be My disciple, it will cost you everything. Don’t underestimate that cost!   -- The VOICE Paraphrase

 

We've counted the cost.  We've jumped in the ring.  We've put our hand to the plough, and we're not turning back.  Would you be willing to partner with us as we continue to reach the unreached so that the gospel can get out and Jesus can come?