During the return leg of a missionary transport flight, a failure light (L VAC) illuminated on the warning panel of the aircraft I was flying. It indicated that the left vacuum pump (VP) had failed. Briefly explained, the vacuum system keeps gyro instruments spinning to provide accurate attitude readings during flight. Because they are critical to safe flight, two are designed into this aircraft, a primary and backup. As an aircraft maintenance technician (AMT), I understand that the backup can easily support all vacuum-driven instruments. As the pilot in command (PIC), I was less trusting of that knowledge and more inclined to watch for early signs that the secondary might fail also.  I returned to base without incident and ordered two new units that very afternoon; each at a cost of $365.00 USD. Ordering replacements was the easy part, getting them to Guatemala, well, that was tricky. The units were shipped and reshipped, each time circumstances arose that would delay persons willing to hand carry them to us. In total, a month passed before we would see those vacuum pumps at our mission base in Quetzaltenango. As the mission and vision of SGSP Aviation Ministries, Inc., continues to reach new heights, an inventory of running spares ensures ready response to emergencies and dependable air services for missionaries and ministry workers. Contact us at admin@sgsp-aviation.org to learn more about how you can help keep Serving God by Serving His People (SGSP) Aviation Ministries running strong.