Missionary Pilot Loan-Forgiveness Program
Now recruiting missionary pilot candidates!
SDCC offers training and ratings required by
MAF, JAARS & New Tribes missionary ministries.
We know aviation is expensive. College debt is the primary barrier to pilots wishing to serve in the mission field. San Diego Christian College now offers a new loan-forgiveness program for missionary pilots to cover the cost of flight fees.
SDCC’s Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Technology offers pilots the opportunity to specialize in one of three disciplines: Missionary, Military or Commercial pilot training. Pilots in the Missionary track may be eligible to receive loans to cover their flight fees. Aviation course fees cover the cost of airplane rental and flight instructor fees which can total $45,000 over four years.
Donors who believe SDCC should be a conduit for pilots into the mission field have made funds available to cover the cost of flight training to students meeting certain criteria. Following graduation, MPLFP pilots have up to two years to qualify for service with an approved missionary ministry. Pilots will have their loan balance reduced by 25% for each year they are under contract with a missionary ministry. Pilots who drop out of the program must repay the loan as a promissory note.
Missionary pilots must fill out an application for the loan program and be selected by a committee which will review the applications and qualifications for each candidate.
Pilots must show they are capable of handling a college academic load and cope with the demands of their flight schedule. Therefore applicants for the Missionary Pilot Loan Forgiveness Program (MPLFP) will not receive flight funds their first semester. Once they have established that they can fly, can handle their academic workload, and proven their testimony during their first semester, they will interview with the selection board.
Pilots meeting the criteria will receive loans equaling the fees for the flying course in the semester they are enrolled. Each program participant will be evaluated and interviewed annually to ascertain their commitment to missionary aviation. Loans for the flight fees will be granted accordingly.
Missionary Pilot Loan Forgiveness Program (MPLFP) – Eligibility Criteria
Due to the overwhelming response to this program, we have taken some time to reevaluate the program requirements. Our goal is to assist as many students as possible while maintaining proper stewardship of the funds made available for the program. MPLFP is a loan, not a scholarship, which must be repaid in the event the recipient is unable to complete the service requirements following graduation.
To be eligible for the funds:
I. During your first semester at SDCC, you must:
- Complete AVT 115 (Pass FAA Knowledge Test) and AVT 117A
(complete stage check and solo flight) within semester time frame
- Maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average
- Declare as a Missionary Aviation major
- Schedule a Vision Trip with Missionary Aviation Fellowship
(MAF) between freshman and sophomore year
- Interview in person with the MPLFP selection committee
II. At the end of your second semester, you must:
- Successfully complete FAA Private Pilot rating within the semester time frame
III. Between freshman and sophomore year, you must:
- Complete a Vision Trip with Missionary Aviation Fellowship.
IV. At all times, you must:
- Uphold the testimony and standards of behavior expected of an SDCC student
- Complete aviation flight ratings within the semester time frame
- Maintain a Missionary Aviation major
Flight fees will be awarded in the second semester after completion of the above stated items to the top candidates. Transfers or students who have completed pilot ratings will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The ongoing award of flight fees will be pending continued eligibility of the student and availability of funds.
Please understand, the majority of the funding for this program is from donations and the ongoing availability of the awards is dependent on continued financial support. There will be communication prior to the end of each school year as to the availability of funding for the upcoming year. See the SDCC website to download the application and for further information.
We are excited and thankful for this program as we recognize it as a great opportunity to help missionary aviation students reduce their debt load and consequently enter the mission field sooner.
Application Process
If you feel called to serve the Lord through missionary aviation SDCC’s Aviation Program will provide the pilot training required by missionary organizations. Pilot training and FAA ratings add approximately $45,000 to the cost of a 4-year degree due to the cost of aircraft, fuel and instructors. The Missionary Pilot Loan Forgiveness program was designed to reduce the debt missionary pilots incur earning their college degree and FAA pilot ratings by paying off or "forgiving" flight fee loans at 25% per year if you are under contract with an approved missionary organization. That means you can eliminate flight training debt by serving a minimum of four years on the mission field.
Candidates must be enrolled in the Aviation Technology degree program at SDCC and declare their major in Missionary Aviation. They must also go through the standard financial aid FAFSA procedures. Please familiarize yourself with pilot qualifications on the New Tribes Mission Aviation, MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship), JAARS websites to be familiar with the requirements necessary to become a missionary pilot before sending in your application.
Students must register their major as Missionary Aviation. To apply for the loan program, fill out online, or download the application pdf from the link above and email it along with your essay and any supporting information to SDCC. SDCC will review the applications and interview candidates at the end of their first semester at SDCC. A list of program requirements is included to insure a standard of excellence in our program. Students must show they are capable of being excellent pilots and at the same time demonstrate a strong testimony and commitment to missionary aviation. Awarding of funds will be announced following the selection committee meeting at the end of their first semester.
Recipients may be asked to give their testimony to the Shadow Mountain Community Church Missions Board. We may adjust the award timeline depending on funds availability and enrollment deadlines. All applicants must follow the normal procedures for financial aid including the FAFSA process.
Our goal is to get qualified pilots to the mission field. Please pray about your calling and ask God's wisdom for your vocation. Missionary aviation is exciting, demanding and rewarding, but it is not for everybody. Give prayerful thought to your decisions regarding missionary aviation. Thank you for considering serving God and your brothers and sisters in Christ through aviation.