FAQ
- How many pilots, mechanics and avionics technicians work with JAARS?
- Where does JAARS have aviation programs?
- Does JAARS aviation partner with other organizations?
- How do aviation workers equip local people to partner in translation support work?
- What are the steps to becoming a pilot, maintenance technician or avionics technician with JAARS?
- Can I become a JAARS pilot without a maintenance certificate?
- Is there an age limit for pilots?
- Would I have to learn a foreign language to serve overseas?
- How long would I serve as a pilot in a foreign country?
- If I am an experienced pilot, can I volunteer my vacation time to fly for JAARS?
- Can I volunteer for short-term projects with aviation?
- Can I volunteer part-time with aviation?
- How many pilots, mechanics and avionics technicians work with JAARS?
The number constantly fluctuates. Currently, we have approximately 68 active pilot-mechanics, two pilots without maintenance certification, 38 mechanics and six avionics technicians.
- Where does JAARS have aviation programs?
We currently have aviation programs in:
During our 60-year history, we have also served in Alaska, Australia, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya, Liberia, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, South Asia and Sudan.
- Does JAARS aviation partner with other organizations?
Yes. We gladly partner with other mission aviation organizations, including:
- Australian Centre for Mission Aviation in Australia by providing a maintenance trainer for their mission aviation course.
- The International Association of Missionary Aviation by sharing resources and providing input to leadership.
- LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, by providing a flight trainer.
- Moody Aviation in Spokane, Wash., by providing a flight trainer.
- SAMAIR in Peru by providing a maintenance specialist and training their pilots and mechanics.
- AIM AIR in Kenya by providing a pilot and training their pilots and mechanics.
- YAJASI in Indonesia by providing aircraft, training, pilots and mechanics.
- How do aviation workers equip local people to partner in translation support work?
We are continually training local people for a variety of aviation roles, including pilots and mechanics. In some areas, such as Indonesia, local people have joined the JAARS team as certified pilots and maintenance specialists.
- What are the steps to becoming a pilot, maintenance technician or avionics technician with JAARS?
Please see our requirements and timeline (PDF).
- Can I become a JAARS pilot without a maintenance certificate?
Almost all pilot positions require a maintenance certificate, but JAARS does accept a limited number of pilots without certification. To learn more about the need for maintenance training, check out "Why an A&P?" on IAMA's Web site. You can also contact us for more specific information.
- Is there an age limit for pilots?
Generally, our pilot applicants are under 40 years old. However, if you are over 40 with compensating qualifications, please contact us.
- Would I have to learn a foreign language to serve overseas?
Most likely. To work effectively in a foreign country—and simply go about daily life—you must be competent in the language spoken locally. You may also be required to learn a foreign language to take the pilot and maintenance exams for licensing.
- How long would I serve as a pilot in a foreign country?
Our pilots normally serve long-term. Typically, you would spend two to four years at a time overseas, interspersed with a furlough in your home country. While home, you would visit family and financial partners, and participate in training programs or group service before returning overseas.
- If I am an experienced pilot, can I volunteer my vacation time to fly for JAARS?
Regrettably, we accept pilots on a full-time basis only. Special training is required for the types of flights our pilots handle.
- Can I volunteer for short-term projects with aviation?
Yes, but in a non-flying capacity. Qualified men and women of all ages can volunteer for short-term projects throughout the world. Opportunities include:
- Volunteering for one or more weeks at the JAARS Center in Waxhaw, N.C.
- Traveling overseas with a team of students.
- Spending several weeks or months overseas for a specific project.
To learn more, please submit our online contact form.
- Can I volunteer part-time with aviation?
Yes. We currently have a team of aviation mechanics volunteering part-time at our hangar in Waxhaw, N.C. If you already hold FAA airframe and powerplant certificates, you are welcome to join us.
We’re also looking for volunteers who can assist in various administrative roles.
To learn more about these and other opportunities, please contact us.