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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Application Process
Q. How do I apply for your Pilot and Mechanic Training Programs?
A. Listed below are the steps for making application:
  1. Print off applications - Download Applications

  2. Complete application and mail to:

                   Alpha Aviation
                   P.O. Box 112
                   Springdale, AR 72765

  3. Attach two 3 x 5 photos.

  4. Process Recommendation Forms according to instructions below:
    1. PASTOR RECOMMENDATION FORM
      Ask your pastor to complete form and mail to:

      Alpha Aviation
      P.O. Box 112
      Springdale, AR 72765

      (For your pastor's convenience include a pre-addressed stamped envelope with the above address.   All recommendations are to be mailed directly to Alpha Aviation. They should not be given to the applicant.)

    2. PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION FORMS (2)
      Give one each to a friend, business associate or employer (and pre-addressed stamped envelopes) and have them mail them to:

      Alpha Aviation
      P.O. Box 112
      Springdale, AR 72765
  5. After application and recommendation letters are received, your file will be sent to our Acceptance Committee for review. You will be notified of their decision.

  6. Once an applicant is approved, the next step is to attend the two-week Jump-Start Program. The cost is $800. The enrollment date is scheduled after completing the Jump-Start Program. See website for more information concerning this Program.
Q. What qualifications are needed to apply for schooling?
A. High School diploma and complete the application process.

General Information

Q. Do you have / how long are you gone on typical short-term mission trips?
A. Mission trips to Mexico and Central America range from five to ten-day trips. The U.S. trips can be one to three days.
Q. Are English classes available?
A. There are many educational opportunities in the area for learning English. We could help you choose the best one for you.
Q. I'm looking for the best way to get the training required to serve with other aviation mission organizations. Can you provide this training?
A. Our programs are designed to prepare someone to meet the requirements to serve with other aviation mission organizations such as JAARS and MAF.
Q. When does enrollment begin?
A. FOR FLIGHT TRAINING: We have open enrollment which means a student can begin classes anytime throughout the year.

FOR MECHANIC TRAINING: Begins on the first work day of each month.
Q. Are your training programs recognized by the FAA?
A. Yes. All our Training Programs meet the FAA rules and regulations.
Q. What accommodations are available?
A. Apartments are available in the area. Price range begins from $319 per month for a one bedroom.
Q. Am I responsible for my own housing?
A. Yes. We are available to assist in helping locate adequate housing.
Q. Is it possible to talk with a former and current student?
A.Yes. Call for contact information.
Q. I have been told that most missionary aviation companies require a college degree of some sort, preferably a four-year degree. Is this true?
A. There are many opportunities for missionary pilots and mechanics on the mission field that do not require a college degree.
Q. Are loans and grants available?
A. We do not offer grants or loans. We encourage missionary students to be self-supported by the time they finish our training programs. Our goal is to prepare and train a missionary in a way that at the completion of training, the missionary will be debt free and have financial support from a donor base, enabling them to go to the mission field.

We do have a Scholarship Program, but an individual must be a full-time student for one year before qualifying to make application. Part of our Missionary Program is to offer the Two-Week Training Program that prepares students to raise financial support as a missionary. Then at the end of their training, they already have the support needed for going to the mission field. For more information go to our Missionary Jump-Start Program.
Q. My son is currently attending college. His goal is to get his pilot's license and serve as a missionary pilot. He will need to work a job after college to pay off student loans. Do you have suggestions on ways he could serve while holding down a job to keep his dream alive?
A. He could begin pilot lessons locally while in college; and obtain as many ratings as possible. The following ratings are required:
  1. Private
  2. Instrument
  3. Commercial
He could do one lesson per week. That would keep him interested and progressing. If he doesn't complete all the ratings by the time he finishes college, he can complete them with us, or whichever aviation mission training school he chooses.
Q. Does your organization help with debts due to colleges loans, etc?
A. No. However, there is a ministry called, Christian Aviation Ministries (CAM), that provides educational loan grants to individuals who are approved for pilot and mechanic training in an aviation mission school. CAM's mission is to support individuals by repaying their student loans. Go to their website for more information: www.christianaviationministries.com.
Q. My son is interested in mission aviation. I don't know a lot about missionary service, but I want to do everything I can to help him reach this goal after finishing high school! Do you have suggestions on how we can encourage him at this point in his life?
A. Now is the time to take steps toward his goal, no matter how small those steps seem to be. As long as he's going in this direction, each step can encourage him to continue toward his goals. I would encourage him to do research on aviation mission organizations on the internet. This will help him stay focused on his goals.
Q. Is it possible to complete the A& P Mechanic and Pilot Courses at the same time?
A. Yes. An individual can complete all courses during the three years. Our programs are designed to prepare an individual to obtain all pilot ratings required by the time the mechanic training is completed. We encourage pilot students to complete two flight lessons per week along with home study. This can be done late afternoon and/or weekends. However, it does depend on the individual and how he/she applies his/her time toward the studies.
Q. Once I complete the pilot and mechanic training programs, how long before I would be able to fly for a mission organization?
A. It depends on the individual and how soon he/she is proficient in mission flying. Our training programs are designed to have an individual ready at the end of three years. At the end of three years, the individual will have the necessary pilot ratings and mechanic license along with three years of mechanic experience. A general rule is that a student is required to have 500 hours of flight time before applying to organizations like MAF. Our goal is to provide resources and a training environment for a student to obtain these qualifications by the end of three years.
Q. Are missionary pilots paid for their work?
A. As a general rule, No. They are self-supported missionaries. That is what our Missionary Jump-Start Program is all about. At the end of three years, you already have a support base that will provide the financial and prayerful support needed for you to operate on the mission field. This support base can also provide finances during the three years of training.
Q. Does Alpha Aviation offer actual experience in the mission field?
A. Yes. A student will serve a six-month training program in Mexico or Central America.
Q. Are students required to live in a certain area while attending school?
A. No, but we do encourage students to live close to the training facility.
Q. Do you accept International Students?
A. Not at this time.
Q. What opportunities are available for missionary pilot and mechanics?
A. There are many opportunities for self-supported missionary pilots and mechanics.
Examples include:
  1. Working with other missionary organizations, i.e. MAF, JAARS, New Tribes.
  2. Working in the U.S. by transportating pastors/ministers throughout the country.
  3. As a missionary with Alpha Aviation, we could place you in Mexico, Guatemala and other Central America Countries.
  4. Transporting medical and general supplies to missionaries in other countries. The list goes on and on.
It depends on what an individual feels God is calling him/her to do. Our focus is to train people who feel God is calling them into missionary aviation, but do not know how to get started, and train and prepare them to accomplish what God's destiny is for their life.
Q. I'm an experienced airline pilot. Can I volunteer my vacation time to fly for mission trips for Alpha Aviation?
A. Due to the special training required for the type of flying our pilots do, each volunteer is evaluated on an individual basis.

Mechanic Training
Q. What is the mechanic training like?
A. The mechanic training is practical hands-on B actually working on airplanes everyday as you would on the job. Supplemental classroom instruction is incorporated on an individual basis.
Q. Are girls able to handle the mechanic training?
A. It depends on the individual and her potential skills. The training is challenging, but we believe if God has called them, they can do it. It depends on their attitude and commitment, which is true with anyone.
Q. What text books do you use for the A&P training?
A. We use the Jeppensen books, but all of the companies who provide these training books are good. ASA and the U.S. Government are other resources.
Q. Do you allow A&P mechanics who have recently obtained their certificate to volunteer for the purpose of gaining experience?
A. Yes. We have opportunities available where an individual could gain experience working on various aircraft.
Q. How much does the Mechanics Program cost?
A. $300 per month. All rates are subject to change without prior notice.

Missionary Jump-Start Program

Q. When will the two-week Jump-Start Program begin?
A. This Program is scheduled on an individual basis. Once an applicant has been approved as a student, a date will be scheduled to begin the Jump-Start Program.

Pilot Training

Q. When are starting dates for Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings?
A. We have open enrollment. An instructor would meet with an individual to discuss the best schedule that would help you complete your goals.
Q. Is the cost of fuel figured into the pilot training programs?
A. Fuel cost is included.
Q. I am currently attending school. Would it be possible for me to complete the Private Pilot Training Program during the summer?
A. Yes. Our Private Pilot Course is designed to complete in five weeks. However, it depends on the individual and how well he/she responds to the training. It could take less or more time. To complete it in five weeks, would take total focus on the flying and studying.
Q. Would I be able to fly everyday of the week, including Saturday, to get the time in?
A. Yes.
Q. Would you suggest that I get the commercial pilots license and multi-engine ratings as well?
A. Yes. The Commercial Rating is generally required for missions flying. All advanced ratings will increase your skill and ability, making you a more qualified pilot.
Q. How long does it take to complete the Instrument, Commercial and Multi-Engine Training Programs?
A. It is possible to complete each Pilot Program within the time frame stated on our Website. However, it depends on the student and how well he responds and applies himself to the training. It could take more time or less.
Q. Are the Pilot Training Programs an eight-hour day?
A. No. A flight instructor would meet with the student and work out a schedule that would best meet the needs of the student. An average flight lesson is two hours per day with homework. It could be more than two hours, but it depends on the student.
Q. After I have my private rating, how long does it take to complete the necessary ratings to be a missionary pilot?
A. The length of time to complete the Instrument and Commercial depends on how well the individuals respond and apply themselves to the training. It is possible to complete the Instrument in three weeks and Commercial in two. After receiving these ratings, a student would need to build time in the airplane and gain experience in flying in the U.S. and Mexico.
Q. What ratings are necessary to be a missionary pilot?
A. Instrument and Commercial. We also encourage students to obtain the multi-engine rating.
Q. What extra training do you require to become a missionary pilot?
A. Flying with an instructor on various kinds of mission trips to Mexico and Central America.
Q. Is there a need for missionary pilots in the U.S.?
A. Yes. Examples:
  1. transporting pastors and missionaries to meetings
  2. transporting people for medical treatment
  3. transporting medical supplies and relief aid to disaster areas
Q. Concerning the cost of flight training, do you have to pay up-front?
A. No. But if payment is made up-front for each program, a $5 per hour discount is given. For example: the Private Pilot Program is $5,620. If paid up-front, the cost would be $5,070. If not paid up-front, a deposit of $500 must be made to open up the student's flight account. Account balances must be maintained above $100.
Q. Are flight exam fees included in the total cost of each program?
A. No. Exam fees are not included.
Q. What taxes are applied to training costs?
A. No taxes are required.
Q. What are the starting dates for each pilot training program?
A. We have open enrollment. An instructor would schedule an appointment with the student to discuss the best schedule that would help the student complete his/her goals.
Q. What are the prerequisites for beginning the Instrument Pilot Program?
A. Must have Private Pilot License. After obtaining the Private License, the student is required to build experience by flying 50 hours of cross-country time as pilot-in-command.
Q. Concerning obtaining the CFII rating, what is the estimated total cost including aircraft rental for the cross-country time?
A. Total estimated cost for CFI and CFII training programs is $6,900. The additional cost for aircraft rental to obtain the 50 hours of cross-country prerequisite time is $4,250.
Q. How often is the $45 Membership Fee due?
A. Membership cost is an annual fee.


Springdale Municipal Airport (KASG) Springdale, Arkansas

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