What does it take to become a pilot.  It takes a lot of time and finances to become a missionary pilot. Missionary pilots are required to have their commercial pilot’s license along with their IFR rating and some require as many as 500 hours to be certified to fly for the different organizations, the cost can be over $100,000 to achieve these ratings and time.

    White Horse Air Support, Inc. has been created as a venue for those whom God has given the desire to spread the gospel of Jesus the Christ, by supporting Christian ministries, humanitarian missions, food ministries, Christian outreach programs and supplying disaster relief support through aviation.

Our services include but are not limited to:

Training Missionary Pilots

Delivery of Medical, Food, Clothing and Humanitarian Supplies

Disaster Relief Support

Air Transportation in Support of Churches and Ministries

Aviation Ministry and Fellowship

Transporting People with Special Needs

Repair and Reconditioning of Aircraft

Training Aviation Support Personnel

            We have been blessed with the opportunity, in many ways, to provide these services to different organiztions.  For all of you that have participated in the different events we have been able to fulfill, thank you for your help and assistance.

      Many people say “I have always wanted to learn to fly”. It is easy to look out and see what you want, but first we need to consider the cost. Have you ever heard anyone say “when I have the money I don’t have the time or when I have the time I don’t have the money”. It is important to consider the financial costs and time it takes to achieve your goal to become a pilot. Luke  14:28 says "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it - 29 "lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,”

Larry Stockstill in his book The Remnant says “To commit to something means to shift your weight to a point where it cannot be reversed. Stay with you commitments until completed. Don’t commit to an event, a project, a board, or a task and then change your mind about it. Christian believers and leaders must exhibit the steadiest, most trustworthy commitments in the country.”

            Here is what you can expect just to get your private pilot’s license:

FAA requirements:

Age - 17+ years old.
Education requirements - Able to read, write, and speak English fluently.
Flying time requirement - Minimum of 40 hours of flight training. This training must include a minimum of: 

20 hours of dual instruction including:
3 hours of cross-country to airports more than 50 miles away
3 hours of instruments
3 hours of night including a 100 nautical mile round trip and 10 night takeoffs and landings
3 hours of instruction within 60 days prior to your practical test                                                                                       

10 hours of solo flight including:
5 hours of cross-country including a 150 nautical mile round trip
3 takeoffs and landing at an airfield with a control tower 

Examinations:

1. Private pilot knowledge test with a score of 70% or better. There are 60 multiple choice questions.

2. Practical flight test with an FAA-designated examiner. Nationwide, the pass rate is about 90% for students on their first try! The exam’s content is defined by the FAA's Practical Test Standard (PTS), and it includes both an oral exam and a flight test.

Average time to get private pilot license in US: 55-65 hours 

It is recommended that you start by flying a minimum of 2 hours a week.

 
Approximate Costs - $8000 - $10000

None of the instructors at White Horse Air Support, Inc. charge for the instruction given either in the airplane or in ground school class. The airplane cost is about $135.00 for 55 hours of training that comes to $7425. Books and written test cost about $350.00. The check ride cost between $450 and $500.00 depending on the examiner. Total financial cost around $8225.00

Our instructors have a great desire for the Lord and to teach aviation. We have families and financial commitments that require us to work to meet our family’s needs, so we are limited on how much time we can commit to your training.  If you are truly interested and willing to make the commitment we will make a way to assist you.  

 We offer a private pilot ground school that is an eleven week course and upon completion of the class the students will be signed off by a FAA Certified Instructor to take their written test.  There is no cost for the instruction but there are some costs for books and testing material.  If you are interested in participating in the class please respond to me by e-mail.

Mark Etheredge