Set your affection on things above... Colossians 3:2
Sending church: Southwest Baptist Church, Pastor Jason Gaddis
Pilot Training Program
AFFECTION ABOVE Aviation FAA Certificated Flight Instructors (CFI) are the cornerstone of aviation safety. We train the missionary to operate safely and competently as a certificated pilot in the National Airspace System (NAS) and of course, the mission field. This training includes airmanship skills, pilot judgment and decision-making, hazard identification, risk analysis, and good operating practices.
The flight instructor will use a syllabus and insists on correct techniques and procedures from the beginning of training so that the missionary pilot will develop proper habit patterns.
Primary Courses
Private Pilot License
40 hours minimum
The Private Pilot License (PPL) is the foundational training course of developing the knowledge and skills of all future missionary pilots. FAA requires at least a minimum of 40 flight time (10 hours will be flown solo) and will meet the FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and Part 61 regulations.
Instrument Rating
50 hours
The instrument rating is one of the most rewarding but challenging courses you will add to your pilot experience. Maintaining and extending your proficiency, once you have the rating, means less reliance on chance and more on skill and knowledge. Learning to fly solely by instruments is rewarding allowing you to fly as pilot-in-command in less than the VFR minimums. (FAR 61.65)
Commercial Pilot License
25 hours (250 hours total time)
Training for the Commercial Pilot License focuses on a better understanding of aircraft systems and a higher standard of airmanship. The two previous courses will be integrated to sharpen the pilot skills and decision-making.
Certified Flight Instructor
25 hours (Commercial License req.)
Probably the best way to sharpen your airmanship skills as a missionary aviator is to become a Certified Flight Instructor. Teaching upcoming student-pilots good judgment and decision-making, hazard identification, risk analysis, etc. will assist in solidifying your training you received, preparing you for the unreached mission field.
Additional Training, Endorsements and Currency Renewals
A&P Training & Certification
36 months
High Performance Endorsement
5-10 hours
Tailwheel Endorsement
10-20 hours
ForeFlight Training
Used during flight & ground trainnig
Currency Renewals
Requirement Specific