Frequently Asked Questions
JAARS Mission Aviation Program

• How many aircraft do you have worldwide?
• How many pilots, mechanics and avionics technicians do you have?
• Where do they serve?

• Are pilots, mechanics and avionics technicians your only need?
• Where can I find the requirements for pilots, mechanics and avionics technicians?
• I am a machinist. Can I be used in mission aviation?
• I am an experienced airline pilot. Can I volunteer my vacation time to fly for JAARS?

• Do aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians need to learn the national language?
• Am I expected to be licensed in the foreign country?
• Are the maintenance standards and procedures similar to United States requirements?
• How long would I serve in a foreign country?
• Can I serve in a foreign country as an aviation maintenance technician or an avionics technician if I am not a career member of Wycliffe Bible Translators?

• Where would I go to receive mission aviation training?

Q. How many aircraft do you have worldwide?

A. Currently we have 24 single-engine aircraft, 5 multiengine and 4 helicopters.

Q. How many pilots, mechanics and avionics technicians do you have?

A. The number constantly fluctuates, but we have approximately 67 active pilot-mechanics, 40 mechanics and 7 avionics technicians.

Q. Where do they serve?

A. JAARS mission aviation staff serve in Africa, South America, the Asian Pacific area, and the United States.

Q. Are pilots, mechanics and avionics technicians your only need?

A. No, we need people in all areas of aviation management and administration. Call 888-773-1175 for more information and ask for Nancy Ramsdale or Roger Krenzin, or email Aviation_Recruiting_Jaars@sil.org.

Q. Where can I find the requirements for pilots, mechanics and avionics technicians?

A. Go to http://www.jaars.org/aviation_qualif.shtml.

Q. I am a machinist. Can I be used in mission aviation?

A. Yes, we have a machine shop in Waxhaw, North Carolina, staffed by machinists who are career members or volunteers.

Q. I am an experienced airline pilot. Can I volunteer my vacation time to fly for JAARS?

A. Regrettably, this is not possible due to the special training required for the type of flying our pilots do.

Q. Would I have to learn a foreign language?

A. Yes. Working, as well as everyday living, requires competence in the local language. It may also be required for taking written and flight exams for pilot licensing.

Q. What is required before I become a pilot in mission aviation?

A. The requirements are as follows:

• A JAARS invitation for a technical evaluation (TE) after meeting basic JAARS requirements.
• Acceptance into Wycliffe Bible Translators.
• Orientation in JAARS flight standard procedures.
• Field training course for cultural adaptation to local living situations.
• In-country licensing, route and airstrip check-outs.

Q. Is there an age limit for pilots?

A. Yes, the JAARS Aviation Operations Manual (JAOM) limits flight activity to the age of 60 in a foreign country and to 65 in the home country. If an applicant is over 35, added consideration is given to his/her readiness for mission aviation service, language-learning ability, children’s schooling needs and adaptability to a foreign culture.

Q. Can I become a JAARS pilot without a maintenance license?

A. Yes, but very few openings exist for pilots without maintenance licensing.

Q. Do aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians need to learn the national language?

A. Yes. Working, as well as everyday living, requires competence in the local language. It may also be necessary for any licensing and training that is required.

Q. Am I expected to be licensed in the foreign country?

A. Most countries license aviation maintenance personnel. However, it might be possible to work under the supervision of licensed technicians for a short-term assignment.

Q. Are the maintenance standards and procedures similar to United States requirements?

A. Yes, but there may be slight differences mandated by local regulations.

Q. How long would I serve in a foreign country?

A. The field term varies according to the family’s needs and those of the field of assignment. Generally, the term is four years on the field, returning the fifth year to the home country to visit family, friends and churches and to participate in recurrent training.

Q. Can I serve in a foreign country as an aviation maintenance technician or an avionics technician if I am not a career member of Wycliffe Bible Translators?

A. Yes, an individual can volunteer for the length of time he or she is available. Call 888-773-1175 for more information and ask for Nancy Ramsdale or Roger Krenzin, or email Aviation_Recruiting_Jaars@sil.org.

Q. Where will I go to receive mission aviation training?

A. There are different means of obtaining the licenses that JAARS requires. Options range from maintenance apprenticeships in a shop or flight training from independent instructors, up to university level aviation programs. For specific qualification or training questions, please call 888-773-1175 and ask for Nancy Ramsdale or Roger Krenzin, or email Aviation_Recruiting_JAARS@sil.org.