The Distance Between Two Points
In this case, it is 7,253 miles – from Ethnos360 Aviation in McNeal, AZ, to the Port of Lae, Papua New Guinea.
Wednesday morning, May 6, a crane loaded the third R66 helicopter for Papua New Guinea onto a tractor-trailer to begin that 7,000-mile+ journey.
It’s on its way to join the other two R66 helicopters serving in Papua New Guinea. R66 #3 will share some of the 700-plus hours that the helicopters fly in a year as they sustain church planting teams in 21 locations accessible only by helicopter:
Kuyu and Kovol, for instance, where the first literacy classes are underway.
Tanguat, where thriving believers are now reaching outlying villages of their language group.
Wantakia, where a neighboring village is so interested in hearing the story that they are hiking to the believing village to listen to the Bible lessons.
From January 2020 when the “Three for PNG” project began, to February of 2023 when the project was fully funded, at $1.2M each, these helicopters show the gracious hand of God’s provision. He is serious about reaching deep into the remote people groups of Papua New Guinea to bring the message of the Hope of the gospel.
The first two R66s have already served for several years. But it wasn’t until September of 2025 that #3 arrived in McNeal from the Robinson factory, delayed by supply chain issues. Our aircraft maintenance specialists got to work and outfitted it for the rugged flying it will face – installing radios, satellite tracking, cargo nets, floats and other specialized components. And they gave it a distinctly visible and recognizable red-and-white paint job. Once shipping negotiations were completed, they packed into a container for transit.
And it's on its way!
Thank you for any part you played in praying and giving so that these helicopters could be a tool to make gospel outreach happen. Praise God with us for His provision. And pray for the long journey of R66 #3.