After accepting a new job with JSX this summer, I am now flying out of Burbank CA on an Embraer 145 airplane. During my training in Dallas, one of the systems our class had to study and learn was the electrical part of the aircraft. As you can see, this electrical system has a few different buses on it. We have hot buses, back up buses, AC/DC buses, shed buses and the most important of all are the “essential” buses. Just think of a bus as solid copper, a brass or aluminum bar where many wire ends are tied and electricity is flowing from this connector to many different switches that provide power to equipment or instruments on the aircraft.
The Meaning of “Essential”
The reason the manufacturer of this Embraer Aircraft named only two buses as “essential” out of all the rest of them is because if you lose all normal generating electricity from five generators you will need “essential” power to continue flying the airplane. This power is supplied by 2 nickel cadmium batteries that are wired for providing power to these “essential” buses which are absolutely necessary and extremely important to keep special equipment and instruments powered for 45 minutes. This means you are now down to just a very few “essential” instruments to aviate, navigate and communicate during this emergency while allowing the “essential” power to help bring you in and land safely. As we have opportunity to practice this in the simulator, it gets a little challenging and crazy at times!
Our Parallel in Life
I so often think how our lives parallel this electrical system. At times all is well, all five of our generators are online with plenty of power, life seems pretty calm, and all we really need is provided for. Well… until a major crisis hits us, we lose control, and undesired circumstances start happening in or around our lives. Our five generators have just failed, we have circuit breakers popping, possibly an electrical fire with smoke, and visibility is low because we are in the clouds! I don’t know about you, but I have been there. We really have to love what Jesus said in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” WOW! What wonderful comforting words from our precious Lord and Savior.
Let me share with you about a few times when I sure needed God’s “essential” power in my life. While working at my previous airline, we were climbing through 18,000 feet out of NYC heading down to Nassau with 150 passengers on board when my right engine had a sudden seizure. The airplane wanted to role over, the cabin filled up with smoke, and we had a lot of vibration going on. Then just a few years ago while bike riding, a truck hit me from behind and I found myself underneath the truck’s engine in a pool of blood looking at the left front tire. All I remember is the loud squealing tires, flying up in the air and coming down on the blacktop, Ouch! It was so dramatic with the fire truck, police cars, traffic jam and an ambulance to take me to the hospital. It was a painful week in the hospital, I could not walk the first few days, then I had back surgery. Hallelujah and praise the Lord, there were no broken bones. Yes what a miracle of God‘s “essential” power! Then there was the loss of a best friend a little over a year ago. Even sometimes just waiting a long, long time for answered prayer can really try our patience, knowing we need His “essential” power to get us through the tough and challenging times in life.
Jesus knew we would need His “essential” power. Take a look at Jesus’ words in Luke 24:49: “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father up on you: but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you be endued with power from on high.” Just think of how God used these mighty men and women starting 2000 years ago to receive His “essential” power, and how even today He uses you to be a great witness and testimony while going through difficult times of life. Christ will help you navigate the storms of life for His honor and glory with His “essential” power from on high. This reminds me of John 15:5, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringing forth much fruit for without Me you can do nothing.” Hallelujah, Christ is our “essential” bus power in life and we are connected to Him. He is the Vine, and we are the branches. He will never ever leave us but will stay connected to help us navigate through the dark, turbulent, hardships of life, so much longer than just 45 minutes. Yes, and even bring us home safely with His “essential” power that flows from Him, the power of the Holy Spirit right into our life as a true testimony for having everlasting victory! AMEN!
“Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
This article was written by Jerry Litwiller. Jerry retired as a Captain with United Air Lines and has returned to the skies as a First Officer with JSX Air. Jerry also serves as President of our FCAP Board of Directors.
