Touch Down: Charlie Arrives at PUC

On Monday, February 23, Pacific Union College’s aviation program’s newest addition to its fleet, affectionately known as Charlie, landed at its new home at Virgil O. Parrett Field.

Many students, faculty, staff, photographers, and PUC board and community members waited in excitement for Charlie’s arrival, eagerly tracking the aircraft’s tail number on the FlightAware app and monitoring the skies.

Upon its landing, everyone warmly applauded Assistant to the Flight Center Director Andrew Hosford as he climbed out of the aircraft, marking the day a momentous occasion for the aviation program and the community.

Because of Hosford’s experience in mechanical and avionics skills, he helped complete the refurbishment of Charlie. After receiving an airworthiness certificate, he, alongside Lead Mechanic Kyle Kennedy, flew the aircraft from Andrews Airpark in Michigan to Oklahoma Academy. There, they gave students and staff a few joyrides over the weekend before flying west to Porterville, CA, on Sunday morning. Flying the last leg, Hosford circled low around the PUC campus before touching down at Virgil O. Parrett Field.

This Cessna 206 has faithfully served in some of the most remote and challenging corners of Papua New Guinea, Australia, and Vanuatu since it was brand new in 1976, accumulating nearly 2.4 million miles over the course of its life.

Flight Center Director Nathan Tasker proudly stood alongside Charlie as visitors crowded in to hear the mission story behind this special plane. “This was the longest-serving aircraft in the history of our church,” said Tasker. “It will have its 50th anniversary this year.”

Pointing to the colors adorning the aircraft, he continued, “The red, white, and blue color scheme is original to its factory paint, but is also painted this way because 1976 was the bicentenary celebration year of the United States. The emblem [of the three angels’ message] was added to the tail upon its arrival in Papua New Guinea.”

This aircraft holds a special place in Tasker’s heart, since he and his family flew on it in the 1990s while serving as missionaries in Papua New Guinea. “God has miraculously protected this special plane over many years. I am excited for how it will serve our community and inspire our pilots here at PUC. Thank you, Jesus, for this airplane,” said Tasker.

At PUC, this technically advanced aircraft will be used for commercial pilot flying, per the program’s 10-hour flight requirement, and to teach bush flying techniques.

The aviation program is incredibly grateful to those who have donated to bring Charlie home so that it can help prepare the next generation of Christ-centered pilots for lives of service.

Because there is still a balance of $81,245 to fulfill the Charlie fund, they encourage those willing to donate to mail a check to the address below:

Pacific Union College
Advancement - Charlie Fund
1 Angwin Avenue
Angwin, CA 94508