You want to serve as a mission aviator. But how do you know which mission to choose? Here’s why you might decide on Ethnos360 Aviation.
Ethnos360 Aviation supports pioneer church planting teams who spend a couple of decades reaching remote people groups. To endure in such a demanding ministry, these teams rely on aviation to sustain them. We need pilots, mechanics and other personnel with the determination to see the missionaries all the way through, until the Bible translation is complete and a thriving church exists in each people group.
To equip you to that end, we want you to be as prepared as possible for the job — not just in aviation skills but in cross-cultural living. Ethnos360 will give you the tools you need to succeed at learning a new language, thriving in a foreign culture and working to support the church planting effort.
At Ethnos360 Aviation headquarters in McNeal, Arizona, you will get advanced training in preparation to serve in an overseas location. Experienced instructors will offer not only aviation skills but the valuable soft skills you need to be a part of a successful aviation team. You’ll also build relationships with veteran missionary staff members who can give insight into the challenges ahead.
Ethnos360 Aviation sends well-trained, spiritually and technically qualified aviation professionals who are committed missionaries and who, for the vision and ministry of Ethnos360 worldwide, are willing to count the cost and go wherever Ethnos360 and its partners need our service.
Associate Degree in Electronics or Avionics (or equivalent experience)
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (General Class or higher amateur radio license also recommended)
Minimum of one-year electronics/avionics experience after obtaining degree
Airframe rating is preferred (A&P, AME or equivalent)
All candidates for service with Ethnos360 Aviation must complete missionary training with Ethnos360 and undergo a knowledge, skills and attributes (KSA) evaluation with Ethnos360 Aviation. Pilot candidates should have begun flight training before age 30.
All Ethnos360 Aviation personnel must first become members of Ethnos360. If you are interested in talking to someone about one of these positions or requirements, please contact Dwight Brown, Director of Personnel, at 407-580-7098.
Through specific and clear-cut training, Ethnos360 Aviation prepares you to be a successful part of supporting long-term pioneer church planting efforts in remote parts of the world. Training in Bible and missions will thoroughly ground you in the “why” of Ethnos360’s church planting goal.
Cross-cultural training will prepare you to thrive in a third-world setting and to function well on a multi-national aviation team. We want you to have the confidence and competence to function either on a team or, when necessary, in a small program where you may be operating alone.
2 years of Bible training or the equivalent
A firm Biblical understanding will help you stand behind the church planting work that Ethnos360 is doing. Is this a message that you deem worthy of your life and service?
A firm Biblical understanding is essential so that your life reflects the same message as your teammates and those you are serving in church planting ministries.
Talk with a candidate coach at Ethnos360’s Connection Center (800-856-6053) to evaluate the Bible credits and life and church experience that you have already accumulated.
1 year
Ethnos360 is a global organization made up of many nationalities working together. Besides living in a foreign culture, you will likely work with multinational teams. Your leaders themselves may be nationals, and the North American way will not be the normal way we operate.
MTC in the USA or Emanate in Canada will give you the cross-cultural tools essential for becoming fluent in another language and integrating well in a foreign culture.
You will be equipped to work with people of different cultures, nationalities, worldviews and mindsets.
You will have the opportunity to build firm and caring connections with the future church planters whom you will serve.
Veteran missionaries will be your mentors.
9 months
You will gain advanced flying skills in STOL aircraft at maximum gross weights on short runways in mountain environments. Training is to high standards to prepare you to fly Cessna 206s, 185s, or Kodiaks on the mission field. Advanced helicopter training prepares you to fly Bell LongRangers, Robinson R44s and R66s. Advanced sling load and gross weight training prepares you to serve missionaries in any terrain and at high elevation.
Specialized maintenance training prepares you to maintain the fixed wing and rotor wing aircraft you will be operating on your specific field of service.
Safety and standards training enables every member of our aviation team to be an integral part of delivering safe and reliable service to the church planting missionaries that are counting on us.
Veteran mission aviation personnel who have successfully served in the third world will mentor you. These connections and relationships you build with home staff will be vital for long-distance interaction once you are on your field of service. You will get to know those who will be leading, providing technical expertise, supplying aircraft parts and coaching you through the challenges on the mission field.
6 to 24 months
You will need to obtain the aviation certifications required by the national aviation authority in your country of service.