How to Become a Missionary Pilot
How to become a missionary pilot
Becoming a missionary pilot
What does it take?
Becoming a missionary pilot takes many years of dedicated work to complete all the training required. This training is a vital part of the process to be able to safely fly in the rugged mountains of Mexico. UIM Aviation strives to find qualitied people who are willing to serve the Lord in missions. A missionary pilot is first and foremost a “missionary”, so one must have a desire to serve God and others. We are looking for people who are active in their local church and growing in Christ.
Average time to become a missionary pilot: 10 years
1. Commercial pilot (500 hours)
*Because of the ruggedness of the mountain flying in Mexico, a high level of technical competence is required. A missionary pilot needs more than just average piloting skills.
2. Aircraft and Powerplant License
*Because most of our pilots serve in isolated areas, an airframe and powerplant license is also required.
3. Minimum of one year of Bible school
*There are many options of Bible schools. This will allow you to have the Biblical knowledge needed to share your faith with others on the mission field.
4. Join a mission
*For information about joining UIM Click here
5. Raise support
*UIMA missionaries rely on the financial support of churches and individuals. Raising the 100% support required by UIM can take between 1-3 years.
6. Language school
*UIMA missionaries attend Rio Grande Bible College which is a 9-month program. Click here for more info on Rio Grande Bible College
*For safety and longevity, all pilots and mechanics on the field are required to have a working knowledge of the language. It is important that they can communicate with the locals.
7. Field orientation
*After getting settled on the field, it can take up to 12-months or more to complete on-field-training.
A few options of schools
for flight and aircraft mechanic training:
Schools:
SOAR
SMAT
Moody Bible Institute
MMS Aviation
Liberty University
LaTourneau
Any local flight school
There are many more great options out there!
Once on the field:
After a new pilot meets all the requirements, the next step is rigorous on-the-field training. They need to learn the dynamics of each airstrip in the mountains, understand the different procedures in Mexico, and know the aspects of our specific aircraft. This training period can last up to a year as they observe different weather patterns. It takes years for a missionary bush pilot to develop skills to land a plane on the side of the mountain. We are dedicated to training the next generation of missionary pilots.
Do you have what it takes to be a missionary Pilot?
Hear two of our field pilots explain the step-by-step process to becoming a missionary pilot. What are the requirements of most missions? Hear what the typical journey is like for two of UIMA’s pilots.
Plus, check out some awesome bush flying!
If you have completed the requirements and are ready to join our mission or if you have any questions, please contact us.
