JOURNEY OF THE N185PR
Proclaim Aviation Ministries, in partnership with Moody Aviation, has the opportunity to bring a significant aircraft back into service. This airplane, a Cessna 185 tail-wheeled workhorse, carries a special history. Its registration bears the name of Moody Aviation founder, Paul Robinson-- N185PR. This aircraft began its service with MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) in Honduras and was later relocated for a short time to Mexico. It then found a new home in Elizabethton, TN where it was completely refurbished to “new” condition by the students of Moody Aviation. In 2005, Moody Aviation’s program was relocated to Spokane, WA and N185PR was reluctantly sold. However, in April of 2010, the owner informed Moody Aviation that N185PR was going to be sold again, and “would like to see it return to service at Moody.” God’s timing has proven to be amazing, as the 185 aircraft Moody was leasing no longer was available. Proclaim Aviation also has a determined need for N185PR as all their missionaries need proficiency in tailwheel aircraft.
MAKING BOYS INTO MEN
It is critical for Moody Aviation to have a 185 for advanced flight training. It is essential in teaching the basics of mountain navigation, as well as back country airstrip operations. These skills are vital when flying into remote mission fields. This type of training is an emphasis at Moody. As one flight instructor states, “The 185 transition training helps to make boys into men as a pilot!” According to Jim Conrad, Director of Flight Operations/Moody Aviation, “As students fly the high performance tailwheel aircraft, they gain a very real appreciation for coordination and the need to fly the airplane from the time they enter the cockpit to the time they chock the wheels at the end of the flight. It becomes obvious in the students’ situational awareness and skill level as an aviator at the conclusion of tailwheel training.”
Not only does the aircraft fit the bill as the correct model to match curriculum needs, but the instrument panel layout, avionics equipment, and engine management systems were all originally designed and installed specifically for Moody Aviation to provide maximum transfer of learning as students move from one stage of training to the next. The opportunity to bring N185PR back into the Moody Aviation fleet is not only exciting; it is a direct answer to prayer!
TAKE HOLD & HELP BRING N185PR HOME
The incredible vision to bring N185PR back home to Moody Aviation could only be orchestrated by God. This aircraft, with its roots deeply planted in Moody Aviation and the mission field, has become available at the exact time Moody needs an aircraft with these exact attributes-- this is not merely coincidental, it's the hand of God! It is our satisfying duty to act on this vision God has given us. We heartily invite you to become a part of this exciting journey and Return N185PR to Service.
To turn this vision into a reality, a total of $140,000 will need to be raised for completion of the project.
We are seeking financial partners in this journey to acquire N185PR. We are challenging 125 partners to commit $100/month for a one year period. With $100/month you can join God’s initiative to bring N185PR back home, and make a tremendous investment in training pilots for the mission field! We understand that not everyone can commit an additional $100/month and we ask you to consider any amount that is feasible, whether it is a monthly commitment or a one-time gift.
Please Pray. Consider this opportunity to join the mission to bring N185PR home and return it to service. Everyone has their own needs and financial responsibilities. Please seek the Lord and listen to His heart to determine your gift and investment in this endeavor. How can you Return N185PR to Service and allow it to touch many more lives and continue to serve the Lord.
We are blessed to serve together with you to train the next generation of mission aviators.
