Our journey to the 135 Certificate
The journey to obtaining the FAA 135 certificate for Harvest Aviation began in 2022 with a vision to enhance our operational capacity. Our goal was to find an aircraft that could efficiently transport cargo and passengers, fulfilling the diverse needs of our operations.
After an extensive research phase, it became clear that we could significantly benefit from a partnership with an established Christian organization with a Part 135 certificate. This collaboration would allow us to operate under their certification, facilitating our expansion into commercial operations.
In March, we made a significant step forward by purchasing a plane in Massachusetts. This aircraft would become the backbone of our project, as it was versatile enough to meet our objectives. Shortly after the acquisition, the aircraft was relocated to Pennsylvania, where our partner organization was based. Their expertise and existing infrastructure would be crucial as we worked to adapt the plane to meet the stringent standards set by the FAA for Part 135 operations.
In May, the Harvest team undertook two crucial trips to Pennsylvania to focus on upgrading the airplane. These trips were characterized by hands-on work to ensure the aircraft complied with all necessary Part 135 standards.
By July, we were on the verge of completing all necessary FAA guidelines, but an unforeseen setback occurred. Unfortunately, an accident at the airport forced us to delay our timeline. What we initially anticipated would be a one-month delay extended to nearly three months of waiting.
Finally, in early December, we celebrated a pivotal moment when we successfully transported the plane to Florida. It is undergoing a rigorous Annual Inspection, ensuring that it meets FAA safety standards and is ready for the final FAA inspection. We are excited about our progress and look forward to the next steps in our journey toward receiving the FAA 135 certificate.
This experience has not only strengthened our operational capabilities but has also deepened our relationships within the Christian aviation community. We believe that, through our partnerships and perseverance, we will soon be ready to fly this airplane, fulfilling our mission to provide safe, reliable transportation options tailored to the needs of our Missionaries in Central America and the Caribbean. Stay tuned for more updates as we reach this significant milestone!ost.
“Celebrating Excellence in Aviation”
Chuck McConkey Receives Prestigious FAA Awards
“Chuck McConkey, a long-time volunteer at Harvest Aviation, has been awarded the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award by the FAA. Over the years, he has served as a Board member, flight instructor, mechanic instructor, and even interim Executive Director.
This recognition marks a significant milestone in Chuck’s extensive aviation career, which includes serving as a U.S. Army Helicopter Pilot and mechanic, as well as working as a missionary pilot. He has also been a mentor and Bible teacher to many individuals.
By receiving both awards, Chuck joins a distinguished group of individuals, as only 1,000 people in history have achieved this honor.
Congratulations, Chuck! We are all excited to celebrate this remarkable achievement with you.
“Balancing Flight and Faith: Reflections on Volunteering and the A&P Journey with Harvest Aviation”
**How long have you been volunteering with Harvest Aviation?**
I joined Harvest in April 2021, and I’m approaching my fourth anniversary in April.
**What does the A&P certificate mean to you personally?**
While I’m still figuring out whether my primary focus will be as a pilot or an A&P mechanic, I genuinely appreciate the value of both. Just like learning the drums can enhance your piano skills, understanding mechanical systems enriches your abilities as a pilot. This knowledge equips you to make informed decisions if issues arise during flight. Additionally, my experience as a pilot motivates me to maintain an aircraft to the highest standards, ensuring it’s fly-ready. I believe the combination of mechanic and flight experience works harmoniously, much like peanut butter and jelly.
**What advice would you give to new mechanics who feel called to serve the Lord?**
I encourage you to trust in God wholeheartedly. It’s important to dedicate time to your training and studies but don’t let your relationship with God take a backseat. Cherish your family; although logging 4,800 hours of maintenance experience may feel endless, you’ll soon find your children growing into teenagers before you know it. Lastly, try not to let fundraising stress you out; remember that where God calls you, He will also provide for your needs.
“Reflections on a Decade of Service and Growth at Harvest”
I can hardly believe it’s been ten years since I joined Harvest. It feels like just yesterday when I first started helping Mike Burch work on his Cessna 140. I remember those early days vividly: trimming the hedges, pulling weeds, removing spider webs from the hangar doors, cleaning the restrooms, and sweeping the hangar. It was a mix of hard work and satisfaction, seeing everything come together.
I had the chance to collaborate with Ronny and Mike England on various planes, learning so much from the experience. One of the highlights was helping prepare the cargo to be shipped to Belize and loading the plane. I can still recall the excitement of knowing we were sending off supplies to support others.
Later on, as I became a board member, I took on the role of board secretary/treasurer. Over the past five years, I’ve meticulously recorded donations received by mail and managed to make the deposits. Sending out quarterly and year-end giving records to all contributors became a fulfilling routine for me
Throughout this journey, my faith has grown stronger. I’ve witnessed how God works in people’s lives and how faithfully He provides for Harvest’s needs. It’s inspiring to see individuals give up their comfortable lives to embark on new adventures, convinced that it’s what God wants them to do. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to volunteer at Harvest, and I’m eager to see the growth that lies ahead for all of us.
Jim Marsh
Introducing Our New Volunteer:
A Gift to Our Mission
We are excited to highlight one of our newest members of the team Charles Crutchfield (Chas), who has been serving with us for the past month. From day one, he has brought incredible energy and a positive attitude that has truly inspired us all.
Chas comes to us with a rich background as a car mechanic, where he honed his skills in problem-solving and teamwork. Now, he’s taking his passion for mechanics to new heights as he embarks on a journey to learn aeronautical mechanics. His eagerness to expand his knowledge and adapt his skills is not only commendable but also perfectly aligns with our mission.
In addition to his technical skills, what stands out the most is his willingness to learn and grow within our organization. He approaches each task with enthusiasm and an open mind, ready to support the cause in any way he can. His dedication already makes a significant impact on our operations, and we look forward to seeing how he will continue to contribute as he learns and develops alongside us.
We are truly grateful to have Chas on our team and look forward to supporting him as he pursues his aeronautical studies. Together, we are stronger, and with volunteers like him, our mission will continue to thrive.
Thank you, Charles, for being part of our call!
Exciting News:
Andres Nieto Earns IA Certificate!
We are excited to share that Andres Nieto, our Chief of Maintenance, has successfully earned his Inspection Authorization (IA) certificate! This remarkable achievement is a testament to his dedication and hard work as an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic over the years.
With this new credential, Andres is now empowered to sign off on annual inspections, progressive inspections, and major repairs and modifications. This advancement not only strengthens his role within our aviation maintenance team but also plays a crucial part in ensuring that every aircraft meets the highest standards of safety and reliability.
Please join us in congratulating Andres on this well-deserved accomplishment! His journey is an inspiration to us all!