Our Beginning

The College started with the recognition that most flight programs are too expensive for students who are called to serve the Lord as missionary pilots and mechanics. Since the college began   training costs have almost doubled forcing them into either insurmountable debt or choosing a different career path.  College loan debt is the #1 barrier to serving in the mission field, whatever the calling…

These pilots and mechanics, who serve in impoverished countries, are often essential in transporting people and supplies, flying medical evacuation missions, disaster relief, and bringing hope. They are the lifeline to the outside world.  That is our vision, to train and equip them to be at the “tip of the spear” in spreading the Gospel with aviation as their #1 tool.

A campus was started at Friendship Bible Church and a 20 year lease was secured on land at the Keystone Heights Airport.  The operations hangar was constructed with volunteers, investors, donors and an engaged board of directors that got the college “off the ground” in January 2015. Equipped with academic direction, financial backing, runway and hangar space, donated airplanes and student housing, the CMA sprang into action.

Rotations of the program begin in January and July. After a two and a half year period of ten quarters, a student will complete 120 academic credits to graduate with a Bachelor Degree in Missions with a concentration in Mission Aviation. They receive flight and simulator training for a Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot License with 250 flight and sim hours.

Exceptional Professors

A team of professional aviation instructors offer a range of flight training and faith-focused motivational skills. Former State Representative Dr. Charles Van Zant Sr., USN Commander George Currie, as well as many others, including D. Mark Natirboff, J.D., David Geiger, CPA, Wade Schofield, EE, MS, all bring valuable perspective and unique experiences to the classroom. For example, prior to being to the Florida House of Representatives Dr. Van Zant was a pastor, missionary, and architect. Dr. Bert Ayers is former missionary to Albania from 1993-1997, and Dr, Hania Moody, MD and her family served as a missionaries for 14 years in the Peoples Republic of China. The college is blessed to have Dr. Ayers, Dr. Van Zant, and Dr. Moody, as well as all our other enthusiastic and talented volunteers teaching our future missionary aviators.

Why We Are Different

• Affordable
• Accessible
• Faith-focused   
• Accelerated track

Rotations of the program begin in January and July.  (Dual enrolled home school students may join as each quarter begins.)

After a 30-month period of 10 quarters, graduates receive degree in missions with a concentration in mission aviation. 

FAA Part 61 Apprentice Mechanic (leading to completion of the Airframe & Powerplant test requirements) is under way.  The students can use their time outside of class to begin the “hands on experience” training required by the FAA.  We continue to build our maintenance instructor staff to conduct a full-time Apprentice Mechanic program.