Frequently Asked Questions

What does a "missionary pilot" do ?

A missionary pilot is typically somebody in full time Christian missionary work, often in a foreign country. Missionary pilots do lots of different things. Some are pilots who concentrate on providing flight services like flying supplies to other missionaries, or emergency medivac flights for remote areas with no medical facilities. Others are missionaries in the traditional sense who preach God's word to the world and happen to use an airplane to get around or reach remote areas. Since these flight operations are often in underdeveloped countries, missionary pilots need special skills like aircraft maintenance, short/rough field experience, mountain flying, and remote region navigation.

I'm thinking about going into full time Christian missionary work as a pilot. How can Wings For Christ help me ?

WFC can arrange primary flight training in which you can get your private pilot's license and possibly instrument and commercial. This will enable you to move on to more advanced training and higher performance aircraft at places like Mission Aviation Fellowship, Moody, JAARS, etc. WFC can arrange for instructional and aircraft time that will offset a significant portion or possibly even all of the costs of the training. WFC has their own airport, aircraft, classroom, and other assets to aid in pilot training.

There is a process by which you apply for student flight training. Until we finish publishing all the information on this web site, please contact us for details on how to apply.

Why is Wings For Christ a good location for pilot training ?

We are a short grass airfield which will better prepare you for missionary flying. Central Texas averages about 300 VFR days a year. The region has light air traffic, but two large towered airports with radar services are nearby, with all types of instrument approaches. For training purposes, some of the busiest airspace in the world is only 100 miles away. We have our own training facilities at the airport.

What about aviation maintenance training ?

Texas State Technical College in Waco has an excellent aviation maintenance program where you can get your A&P license. They have some financial aid available.

I don't feel called to go into full time missionary work. Can I still contribute ?

Yes, Wings For Christ provides many opportunities to do this. If you're already a pilot, you can fly people and supplies on regional WFC missions. If you own an aircraft, you can make your aircraft available for these missions, missionary student pilot training, or for WFC member recurrency & proficiency training. If you're a CFI, you can instruct student missionary pilots or other WFC members. If you're an A&P, you can help maintain our aircraft. Everybody and anybody can participate in Christian outreach, go on mission trips, help organize fund raiser events, maintain & repair facilities, wash airplanes, perform minor aircraft maintenance, and generally help keep things running.

What is a Wings For Christ "member" ?

We have no applications, no ID cards, and no entrance exam, so we use the term "member" somewhat loosely. It simply means anybody who volunteers their time, talents, and resources on a regular basis to advance the goals of the WFC organization. A "member" is distinct from a "missionary student pilot" in that a member supports and participates in the training of missionary student pilots and any other missions that WFC is called to perform. All you have to do to get started is show up and make yourself available.

Does it cost money to be a Wings For Christ member ?

We have no required dues. However many members donate to the WFC general fund as part of their regular tithe. Also, we sometimes pass the hat to help raise money for specific events or trips. If you're a pilot, you are responsible for the cost of aircraft operation while you're flying.

Can I get my private pilot's license at Wings For Christ if I'm not going into full time missionary work ?

It really depends on you. WFC is not a flight school or aircraft rental operation under FAA regulations, so you can't just call and book an airplane and instructor. There's not even any full time staff at the airport. Legally we are just a non profit organization, not a flight school, but we bring together many people in aviation. Some of these people happen to be flight instructors, and some of these people happen to own airplanes. If you become a WFC member, regularly participate in our activities, and commit to advancing the WFC goals, then you will develop relationships with those instructors and aircraft owners which can lead to training opportunities. Through these friendships, you *may* be able to negotiate more affordable training time or trade for services. If you're not a pilot, be aware that owners are typically very protective of their aircraft. There is a lot of potential liability involved, and even small dings on an airplane can turn into thousands of dollars in maintenance costs. There is a lo

How much does it cost to get a private pilot's license ?

If you were to go to a local flight school, this is a rough approximation:

At WFC, there are some ways to be creative and reduce these costs. This generally depends on your level of commitment and involvement in WFC activities and the long - term relationships you develop with other WFC members.

Ask a pilot how much money it takes to fly, and he'll probably say "All of it !"

What about insurance ?

If you fly other people's aircraft or the WFC trainer, you must to be insured for it. If you are already a pilot, it may be possible to get on the aircraft owner's policy or the insurance for the WFC trainer. If you're a student pilot, you'll need to purchase renter / borrower insurance including hull value at least equal to the replacement value of the aircraft. For a small trainer such as a C152, this will cost about $300-$400 per year. If you're a missionary student pilot, there may be some financial aid for this. You will have to provide your own health insurance to protect you in case of injury in an accident.

Wings For Christ is in Waco. Are you associated with the Branch Davidians ?

WFC is not associated in any way with the Branch Davidians and most of us didn't even know of their existence until the infamous standoff began in 1993. However, we were certainly affected by them. The WFC airport is only about 2-3 miles northwest of their compound and was closed to flight operations during the entire siege. The FBI's Hostage Rescue Team used the our airport to practice rapid deployment from Blackhawk helicopters.

Who maintains the Wings For Christ airport ?

The Axtell Air Force is a group of men who mow the runway, change the runway lights, and generally make WFC one of the best grass airfields in the state. Their efforts allow WFC members to focus on our mission activities. General Howard Pedigo of Axtell, TX is their commanding officer.

If I pilot an aircraft on a mission for Wings For Christ, can I be reimbursed for my aircraft expenses ?

No, aircraft flight expenses are your responsibility. With passengers aboard, you must pay at least your pro rata share of the flight operating expenses in accordance with 61.113(c) so for example you could share expense with other WFC members who travel with you. WFC does not require passengers of charitable flights to pay for flight operating expenses or make donations to WFC. Depending on the mission and available funds, WFC may reimburse or help offset other out of pocket expenses such as meals and lodging. WFC does not have a Part 135 operating license and therefore does not fly passengers for hire or employ pilots.

last update - November 9, 2002