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Missions aviation program takes flight

The new three-part program Multnomah Bible College is offering sends missions-minded pilots out into ministry.

The missionary aviation program is the only one located in the western United States. Three students are enrolled in the program this year: Daniel Born, Aaron Huddleston and Jonathon Byers. Born and Huddleston attend Portland Community College while Byers attends MBC.

"The mission field needs more pilots and airplane mechanics," Tom Kopp, professor of intercultural studies, said.

Jonathon Byers is preparing himself to do just that. His father was a missionary and a pastor, and his sister is a missionary in Ireland. Byers received his AP license in 1986. He has not completed the maintenance part of his training.

"I worked for Horizon Airlines for six months doing flight-line mechanics and taxi checking. Then I worked for Boeing for eight years as an assembly mechanic. For the past two years, I have been an inspector," Byers said.

Byers has done little missions work, except when he helped at a youth camp in Ireland. "I have not focused on God as much as I should," he said.

"My favorite part of the program is having the opportunity to get more involved in learning the Bible and drawing closer to God," Byers said. "Especially seeing what He has for me to do."

Byers always had an interest in flying and airplanes. He used to build and fly model racer planes and trainer planes. One plane's wingspan reached 6 feet 6 inches. "To make something from nothing and then watch it fly is amazing," Byers said.

"The feeling of flying solo is unexplainable. The first time is very emotional. The instructor isn't there to help you. A free feeling runs through your body. You become aware that you are not part of the earth anymore. Mixed feelings of fear and freedom rise within you," Byers said.

Byers does not know what he wants to do after completing the program. "I have always felt like I was called to go on the mission field. As long as I have God, I can do it," he said.

MBC, PCC and Mt. Hood Community College are involved with the aviation program. Norm Cook, professor of intercultural studies, and Dr. Kopp teach theology, Bible and intercultural studies at Multnomah. Steve Phillips instructs the airplane maintenance program at PCC. Amy Hoover teaches flight training at MHCC. Students can complete the program in 5.5 years if they work three summers.

The program incorporates airplane maintenance, flight experience, piloting and ministry. Students study at MBC for a year before attending PCC's airplane maintenance training for 1.5 years, including a summer. They move on to MHCC to complete their flight instruction while attending MBC for a second year.

When the students complete the program, they will receive a bachelor of science in Bible from MBC, an associate of arts degree in applied science from PCC and a commercial or private pilot's license from MHCC.





The Helio Courier fits two pilots and four passengers.