GALMI 2018 !!! - Taking Flight !!

We were thankful that we were able to take  SIMAir flights out to the Galmi base. The journey took 1 hour and 40 minutes and we flew at an altitude of 3500 feet which is low enough that we could get a good look at the countryside. It was a bit "greener" than last year - the brief rainy season had recently ended. SIMAir now has 2 single engine planes that, except for especially dusty days when they are grounded, saves folks from the 6 hour bumpy bus ride that we had to take when we arrived last year.  They also fly to more remote places in the country of Niger.    ....We flew in a week apart and were the only passengers so sat in the co-pilot seat - it was interesting to put on the headset and hear the interaction of the pilot with the control tower at Niamey!

At the SIMAir hangar in Niamey with Dave Ceton.  Dave is an aircraft mechanic who is from our home church.
His dad, Jim Ceton, served as a surgeon at Galmi for many years before passing away 4-5 years ago. 

Niger countryside from 3500 foot. The main road is paved (and bumpy!) while the other roads are unpaved. 

Nearing Galmi, banking for the final approach to the airstrip.

Almost there! The airstrip is fully enclosed by a fence and the pilot has already done a flyover to make sure there are no obstacles on the runway          (goats, chickens, children etc)

Touchdown - the airstrip is 800 meters in length.

Another safe SIMAir flight !

Susie arrives at last on October 19.
Grand Rapids to Chicago to Addis Ababa to Niamey to Galmi !!