Missionaire offers five tracks of study in Aviation Maintenance:

Apprenticeship is for those who have little or no aviation-related training.

We start with the basics of theory and design, followed by skill development, all of which is applied to actual hands-on experience on aircraft. This Apprenticeship Training Program is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under Federal Aviation Regulation part 65, subpart D 65.71, 65.73, 65.75, 65.77, and 65.79.

The goal of our Apprenticeship Program is to prepare a person with specific training related to mission environments in aircraft maintenance, so that he/she may be placed into mission service as an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic.

The minimum amount of time required by the FAA is thirty months. An apprentice works under the supervision of licensed mechanics, actively helping to restore, repair, and maintain aircraft. Through guided, hands-on experience and personal study of theory, the apprentice is prepared to take the FAA's oral and written exams to become a licensed Airframe and Powerplant mechanic. With additional training that will take place simultaneously we have expanded this time requirement to 3-5 years.

Other requirements set forth by the FAA:

A person must be 18 years old at the time the Airframe & Powerplant certificate is issued.

He/she must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.

Bridging the Gap is for those who have had aviation maintenance training but have little or no experience.

A shop mechanic at Missionaire is a person who has received his/her A & P licenses from the FAA, but may not have any experience in actual maintenance of aircraft. During this training, a mechanic is taught the maintenance requirements needed for the mission field, and is given hands-on experience restoring, repairing, and maintaining aircraft.

The length of time to complete this training is tailored to the needs of the individual, and depends on the individual's experience and skill level, not only with maintenance, but also with other areas of mission field preparation. The average time ranges from 2-4 years. A & P's are supervised closely, and are gradually given more responsibility as they grow in knowledge and understanding of procedures.

Missionaire doesn't have a set number of years of experience required before an overseas assignment is given. Instead, we have a skill level that is required. Each person progresses at a different rate, depending on such factors as giftedness, learning abilities, and support level.

Licensed A & P's benefit greatly from Missionaire International's program. Many have not had an opportunity to use their training in an actual job setting, or have recently graduated from school. For the A & P with limited or no experience, we provide a wealth of in-depth opportunities to use, sharpen, and expand maintenance skills. In addition, many mission groups require a mechanic to have several years of experience before going to the field. A & P's can gain that valuable experience at Missionaire International.

Our program is designed to train missionaries first, then mechanics. Because of this, other things are added to the duties of both shop apprentices and shop mechanics. These additional duties are not always understood if the picture seen is just "mechanics training" - however, when you realize that you are being trained for all aspects of missionary aviation, these things are easier to understand. The additions are, in most cases, more important than working on aircraft.

Missionaire's Community Impact Program accepts "at risk" or "recovering" (drugs, alcohol, abuse, recent release from prison) individuals within our community. These students participate in our Apprenticeship Training Program to receive career training within the aviation industry. Some may also learn to fly. Many of these students start with Missionaire through a work-study program through the local high school. Aviation training is one of the best ways to keep people, especially youth, off of drugs and alcohol.

We have seen a tremendous impact on many youth through this program, many opportunities to show our love for Christ, and many opportunities to share why our lives are so much different from what they are used to. Whether it is giving a person an excuse to stay away from drugs and/or alcohol, or giving an abused teen a new found confidence, aviation can certainly have an impact on our community.

Internship is for those who are in training at other maintenance training centers. Internships are offered through Missionaire for three reasons: 1) To give a student a realistic taste of what it is like to not only be an A&P in the field, but also what missions is all about when it comes to aircraft maintenance; 2) To prime the pump. It is our hope that many of the students that come for the internship program will return after they complete their maintenance training for our Bridging the Gap program; 3) To provide more labor force for the restoration of the aircraft being sent into the field.

The Internship Training is designed to be a realistic overview of aircraft maintenance and missionary aviation. The interns do not just clean aircraft bellies, open inspection panels, and sweep the floor. They also learn hands-on by helping and doing tasks that are assigned to them.

TE Prep is for those who have applied with other organizations and need some help breaking the rust off of their mechanical abilities. The student is evaluated based on the standard set forth by the group that will perform the TE. Areas of weakness are then discussed with the student, and a plan for bringing them up to the maintenance standard is made. After the implementation of this plan another evaluation is made. The process is either repeated or the student is recommended for the TE.

Each trainee is considered a missionary and is responsible for raising monthly support. The individual, based on family size and personal needs, determines the amount of support needed. A reasonable percentage of support should be committed prior to beginning. Although it is not advisable, we do allow part time work outside of Missionaire International. Others may opt for another means of non-traditional support.

When there is an ability to commit full time to Missionaire International, then one is considered a staff member and may begin service.

The cost for Apprenticeship Training is $3000 per year* ($250/month) and can be raised along with personal monthly support. FAA General, Airframe, and Powerplant books are provided early in the program to facilitate learning.

All A & P Mechanics with less than two years experience are required to pay the standard training fee of $3000 per year* ($250/month).

These fees help us to provide training materials, plus additional insurance protection covering trainees in the shop.

All maintenance personnel must have a set of required tools.

*After one year of service, apprentices are eligible to apply for a partial scholarship through the local FBO. Scholarships are awarded based on individual performance and commitment, and subsidize one half of the training fees ($125).

Flight training may begin at any time after the first year of apprenticeship is completed. On the mission field, we want you to view yourself first as a servant, second as a mechanic, and as a pilot - last. This curbs an attitude often found in missions - "I'm a pilot, God called me to fly, and I shouldn't have to do anything else" - and focuses the apprentice on a year of mechanical knowledge, giving a better understanding of flight.

A flight syllabus is utilized before and during each training flight; ground school is incorporated into the syllabus, providing a more practical, hands-on approach to flying. Private Pilot through Multi-Engine is offered.

Our program is designed to train individuals to be pilots on the mission field. We take you where you are, and help you to become a proficient pilot for the area of the world to which the Lord is leading you.

After you have the basics, we are able to teach you to fly the airplane closer to its limits. This involves techniques for short field, rough field, soft field, runway clearing (how to safely remove animals and people from your intended landing area), landing on curved runways, & uphill/downhill landings, all with the aircraft fully loaded.

Your training will then be geared toward the area to which you are called.

With Required and Estimated Flight Time, Estimated Costs as of 06/01/09

(Aircraft listed are used for examples - other aircraft options may be available)

Private Rating:

60 hours in a Cessna 172

30 hours w/instructor

Basic pilot supplies, plotter, E6-B, sectional chart, ground school,

written test, and flight exam $6,700

Instrument Rating:

50 hours cross country as pilot-in-command (PIC) in a Cessna 172

Required prior to instrument rating - 40 hours in Cessna 172 w/instructor

Ground school, written test and flight exam $9,400

Commercial Rating:

90 hours in a Cessna 172

10 hours in a Mooney M20C (retractable gear)

Regulations require a minimum of 250 hours for commercial license

30 hours w/instructor, ground school, written test, flight exam $10,600

Multi-Engine Rating (optional):

15 hours w/instructor in Cessna 310

Written test, flight exam $4,300

Mission Flying:

50 hours w/instructor in Cessna 182 $6800

High Performance

100 hours in Cessna 206

Some mission groups require 100 hours of 200 Cessna time $13,500

Time-Building:

100 hours in Cessna 172

Most larger mission groups require 500 hours total time $6,500

Total Estimated Cost (excluding Multi-Engine Rating) $53,500

Bible/Mission Prep

Mission-bound trainees must complete the Mission Preparedness Course, a down-to-earth, real-life approach to mission service, through the Leadership and Development Institute of Southern Kentucky. Some of the classes offered within this track are:

Day to day requirements of serving in missions, including personal, spiritual, and cultural survival. How to develop these skills now.

We are at war. The second you step out in faith and make a commitment to serve, you are in Satan's gun sights. Learn your weapons and put them into practice to fight Satan's attacks.

Importance of going to the Father on a daily basis. Practical tips to help you follow through with your prayer life.

Stewardship within missions - when to cut corners and when not to. Ideas and examples on how to cut costs.

Deal with the fences you've developed throughout upbringing at home and within the church. Breaking these fences down can result in more effectiveness as a missionary. Going to the field with these fences can, in some cases, render you ineffective as a missionary and even affect those who come after you.

Understand the cultural shock you'll face as you go into service. This training is personalized to the culture in which you'll be involved.

This first aid training goes far beyond the basics, focusing on special requirements for mission environments.

This is difficult for most pilots, because it deals with an accident. Nevertheless, it is one of the most important areas of training. Besides more first aid techniques, you'll learn how to collect water, start a fire, build a shelter, find food, determine what you can and cannot eat, make a cook stove and cook pot, build a signal fire, and signal for help. You will learn how to use the aircraft wreckage itself to accomplish all of these survival skills.

Focus on ministering to people. How to avoid being so involved in your ministry that you forget to minister.

"What if…?" Real life problems you may face on the field are looked at from a Biblical perspective.

Learning the importance of worship, how to worship, when to worship, as well as how not to worship and what kind of worship does God not accept.

A practical look at not only raising funds but support (prayer, emotional, etc.) while learning and applying Godly stewardship.

(Must be completed prior to beginning any fundraising activities through Missionaire)

A vital part of our program requires our staff and students to get involved in the local community by choosing a personal ministry outside of the local church setting. Some examples of past projects:

Painting houses for the elderly

Auto repair for single mothers

Home maintenance and replacing roofs for lower income families

Handing out the Jesus film to every home in the area

Working with international students

Planning, remodeling, and running a youth center

Starting a college and career group

Using musical talents in worship bands for a variety of church and community events

Missionaire has always encouraged our staff and students to be involved within the local community. We consider this type of involvement in the community to be a vital part of our students’ training. Each person/family will be assigned a project based upon their gifts, skills and desires.

Contact us for an application.

Upon initial approval, you will be notified. You are then required to attend a week-long orientation at Missionaire. During this time you will be given an in-depth look into our ministry, and a taste of what being a missionary is all about. Missionaire's support-raising course is also begun during the Orientation Week. Once Orientation is completed, we take two weeks to spend time in prayer, asking you to do the same, before making a final decision on acceptance.

Joining a ministry is, in many ways, like a marriage. People work closely together day in and day out, and must have a reasonably similar agreement on philosophy and method of ministry. It is wise to consider taking time to volunteer for two weeks to a month at Missionaire to get a better feel for how we operate and who we are.