Questions

At this time this is not possible. Orientation and training are key issues, but of greater concern are pilot certification and language barriers.

In the host countries where Ethnos360 Aviation serves, the national aviation authority of that country must certify personnel. Living and ministering in another country also requires competence in the national language, and while English is generally recognized as the international language of aviation, this is mostly true only at large or international airports. In the remote areas where Ethnos360 Aviation operates, there are few, if any, English speakers.

Please inquire by contacting us at 520-642-9280 or personnel-aviation@ntm.org.

There is no perfect or preferred way to go about training, but here are a few items to consider:

• Missionary-specific schools often borrow field-experienced instructors from missionary organizations. Students who are constantly exposed to missionaries can be highly motivated and encouraged through the years of training.
• Universities usually offer a degree upon graduation, but this is often associated with large training expenses. Is a degree worth the expense, effort and time to you?
• A community college or technical school may also offer a degree upon graduation and is usually less expensive than a university.
• Do you have a friend with an airplane who is willing to make a deal with you to fly their airplane?
• Can you afford to purchase and maintain a relatively inexpensive airplane to use as a trainer and then sell it when you are finished?
• Aviation is just plain expensive no matter how you go about it. A typical missionary pilot spends an average of 10 years between school, paying debt, gaining experience, and missionary-specific training before they are ready to head to the field.

1. Fill out an Ethnos360 preliminary questionnaire online.
2. Apply for Ethnos360 missionary training (complete application by November 1).
3. Attend the Ethnos360 Aviation  candidate evaluation (held each January).
4. Complete one year of Ethnos360 missionary training (which begins each August).
5. Complete Ethnos360 Aviation orientation and advanced training.

Pilot Evaluation:  You will fly with Ethnos360 Aviation field-experienced instructor pilots. There are no trick questions, as we are not trying to prevent people from becoming a part of Ethnos360 Aviation, but we do want to see what each person is capable of doing. You will be given tasks such as the four basics: navigation, airmanship, instrument flight, and takeoffs and landings. Candidates must comply with Commercial Pilot standards. Each candidate is evaluated as an individual.

Mechanic Evaluation:  You will work in the shop with Ethnos360 Aviation field-experienced mechanic (engineer) instructors.  You will be given three tasks:  inspect and service a component (likely a magneto), troubleshoot and repair an electrical mock-up, and fabricate a sheet metal project.  Maintenance specialists will also inspect an engine cylinder.  Each candidate is evaluated as an individual.

Candidate Interviews: During this week at Ethnos360 Aviation headquarters in Arizona, in addition to evaluating your technical aviation skills, we also interview you and your spouse.  We’ll present a realistic portrayal of the work that Ethnos360 Aviation does in support of pioneer church planting. We’ll lay out accurate expectations of the type of ministry ahead and what it will take to serve successfully. We’ll evaluate you and your family’s alignment with Ethnos360 Aviation values, mission and model of service.

You will gain an accurate view of the type of ministry ahead so that you understand the family dynamics, spiritual maturity, willingness to sacrifice and ability to work with others which are required to serve successfully.

At the same time, you will evaluate Ethnos360 Aviation. Are we the type of ministry that you can get behind and wholeheartedly serve with?