A Division of Living Water Teaching

The Rough Stuff

For many years Mercy Wings (MWI) conducted operations on a reasonably level turf airstrip (MGQZ) at Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.  Taking great care to clear people and animals before takeoffs or landings.  there was also good, sturdy, turf leading to and from the MWI apron and hangar.  The only limiting factors were standing water, mud, and stubborn animals.

Those golden days of trail blazing have given way to an engineered surface and terminal building located exactly on the other side of the runway, opposite the MWI hangar.  This, complements of the Guatemalan government and aviation authority.  While the runway has been a long needed improvement and boon to aviation in Guatemala's western highlands, access to the runway and terminal building has become and is a dangerous crossing for us.

The taxi way that MWI aircraft must use from our apron the runway was obliterated by the construction effort.  The heavy equipment is gone but left behind are large pieces of damaging cinder that are easily picked up by a spinning propeller.  Cracks can develop from the small nicks produced by the cinder, and can render a propeller un-airworthy.

That same rock and cinder is hurled rearward, denting and scratching horizontal stabilizers.  What remains of the taxi way is uneven and pock marked.  At the bottom of the slope, a rutted low area gathers water in the rainy season, forming a muddy bog.  If this obstacle course where not enough, runway entry is another story.

The well engineered runway is on a hardened base of earth and aggregate, topped with 4-6 inches of asphalt.  Good for them, bad for us.  This significant rise increases the potential for catastrophic damage during runway entry or exit.  Not only could we loose the use of a very important tool but more tragically, the loss of services.  We could no longer speed Bible teachers to remote locations, or transport relief or medical supplies to locations when needed.

Ok, so what is it that we need?  All of the above can be remedied by constructing a linking taxi way from the MWI apron to the existing runway.  Thus, serving the ministry and the people of Guatemala for an additional 30 years.  Any addition to a Government project must be authorized by the Aviation authority and be of like engineering standard. 

Should the propeller strike the ground or other foreign object, regulation require that the engine and propeller be removed, dismantled, and inspected.  Any damaged component must be re-certified before re-assembling the engine or propeller.  A very lengthy and expensive endeavor.  The photograph at left is an example, of this type of damage.

The cost is an estimated $40,000.00 to complete a new taxi way to the same engineered standard as the government runway facility.  a fraction of the cost, compared to the $70,000.00 it will cost to inspect and overhaul the engine and propeller; should a strike occur while entering or exiting the runway edge, or while making your way across a dangerous section of our taxi way in its current condition.   

Here is what you can do:  We need favor with Government officials, permissions, paperwork.  To obtain quality materials i.e. asphalt or concrete.  Skilled workers / heavy machines to complete the job.

As always donations can be made directly to:  Living Water Teaching, PO BOX 1190, Caddo Mills, TX 75135

Please indicate MWI-safe taxi on the memo line of your check.