Wings for Humanity

What Makes a Plane Fly?NUTS & BOLTSMany times, the first thingthat comes to mind whenthinking about aviation isgetting off the ground, soaring into thesky and getting away from earth for awhile. But what does it take to makean airplane fly?Most small aircraft require an annualinspection; if it flies for hire it musthave a 100 hour inspection, as well.So, let’s look at the annual inspectionand what it might involve and cost.First of all, an annual inspection isthe same as a 100 hour inspection. Tobegin an annual inspection the plane’sengine is started and various systemsare checked, such as cycling thepropeller and checking the magnetosto make sure they are workingproperly. The engine is run until it getsto normal operating temperatures; thenit is shut down and brought back intothe hanger (if one is available) for thecontinuation of the inspection. Theengine cowling is removed, the oil isdrained, and a compression test is doneto check the cylinders.Aviation oil costs approximately$6.00 a quart, and a midsize engineTom Edelstein (Blue Mountain Academyinstalls a new starter relay. See story pg. 9will take 12 quarts of oil. The oil filtercosts about $20.00. This equates toabout $92.00 for one oil change, andshould be done every 50 flight hours.Everything is then removed out ofthe aircraft—seats, carpet, and floorboards. This is so that things getlooked at and properly lubricated.The same processes are applied toOne of many AWA planes that are cared for by AWA’s mechanics.the wings and the tail—looking foranything that may not be correct. Thewheel bearings are also greased.When an annual inspection (or 100hour inspection) is done on a Cessna182, for example, it can take about18 hours and can cost about $65.00per hour. This equates to $1,170.00(excluding oil and any repairs).Some typical repairs or replacementsthat might be needed could includewheel bearings ($50.00 each), brakepads ($8.00 each), or tires ($150.00each).In addition to the annual inspections,engines need to be totally overhauledabout every 1,400 to 2,000 hours flownor 12 years (whichever comes first),and can cost about $35,000. Propellersare overhauled every 1,400 to 2,400hours depending on the model and cancost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000.So, what does it take to make anairplane fly? Tender loving care andthe necessary funding.Airplanes can be a wonderful toolto share the message of Jesus, provideemergency medical evacuation tosave the life of a precious child, ordeliver much needed medicines, foods,clothing or other supplies. But eventhe best pilots in the world will not flylong without a mechanic and the partsand supplies to make the necessaryrepairs to keep the pilot and passengerssafe.–Bob StoneYour continued prayers and supportto Adventist World Aviation is greatlyappreciated. It keeps our planes flying,the pilots and passengers safe, andGod’s message flowing throughout thevarious unentered areas of the world.Please send your donations to AWA,P.O. Box 444, Sullivan, WI 53178-0444.www.FlyAWA.org Winter 2012 | airways 5