Pilot Frequently Asked Questions

Who Does Pilots for Christ Transport?

We fly clients with any physical medical condition, provided they are ambulatory, medically stable, non-contagious, non-psychiatric and able to enter and exit a small aircraft with little or no assistance. We also accept compassion flights, missionary and pastor engagements, disaster relief personnel, and many other needs.
Where Does Pilots for Christ Fly To?
We offer flights for anyone living in, traveling to, or through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and The Carolinas. Destinations can be as far as 1000 miles with the help of multi-leg missions coordinated with other members of the Air Care Alliance.
Where Do the Mission Requests Come From?
Clients, doctors, care providers, pastors, missionaries, and others contact our office and mission coordinators to request a mission. If approved, the available flights are posted on our Current Missions page on the website. Volunteer pilots can then choose a mission they can fulfill.
How Many Flight Hours are Required to Fly for Pilots for Christ?
In order to serve as PIC for a mission, pilots must be a member, have a current medical, and be current in your FAR requirements for the type and rating you are going to use for the flight.  PCI has no other flight hour requirements, other than the requirements expressed in the FARs. We do require that you file a flight plan and cancel it when the flight is completed.
What Age Do I Need To Be To Fly a Mission?
There is no age limit, so long as you hold a valid US pilot's license and meet our flight requirements.
What Type of Aircraft Must I Have To Be Able To Fly Missions?
Our pilot's aircraft range from 4-seat single engine aircraft to personal and corporate jets. Depending on the mission, we’ve also utilized 2-seat instrument-certified experimental aircraft for shorter flights.
Can I Rent Aircraft To Fly Missions?
Yes. Flying clubs, FBOs, flight schools, charter & business aircraft can be flown for missions. Adequate insurance coverage is recommended.
Does My Aircraft Require Any Special Equipment or Maintenance?

Pilots for Christ pilots and aircraft operate under FAR Part 91. Mission aircraft must be equipped and maintained in accordance with all applicable FARs, including:

  • Current Annual inspection (100-hour if applicable)
  • Current pitot static and transponder check
  • Current ELT
  • Current VOR check
  • Proper weight and balance calculation prior to flight.
  • IFR certified and current
Do I Have To Have Insurance To Fly Clients?
We assume no liability for any actions or inactions of any person operating under our name. Pilots are required to carry adequate aircraft insurance.
Do I Need Any Special Medical Clearance To Join?
Our volunteer pilots must have a current 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Class medical certificate or be enrolled and current in the FAA Basic Med program.
Can I Fly My Experimental Aircraft for Missions?
On a case-by-case basis, yes, experimental aircraft can be used for missions, provided it is adequately equipped for FAR Part 91 flights involving passengers.
I'm A Student Pilot, Can I Still Fly Missions?
Student pilots may fly with a certified flight instructor (CFI) as long as both persons are members and the instructor is a certified pilot (PIC) for Pilots for Christ. You may only fly missions while the CFI is on board, and the PIC must retain complete authority regarding all aspects of flight safety.
How Often Can I Fly For Pilots For Christ?
You can fly missions as often as you like! Safety is our main concern, so we encourage our volunteer pilots to observe the IMSAFE checklist: Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue and Emotion.
What Types Of Clients Will I Be Transporting?
We transport a variety of clients including, but not limited to, medical patients, Missionaries and Pastors, Compassion, and many other fllights which serve the Lord and Share the Gospel. You may even be part of any disaster relief and emergency supply flights that we are sometimes called to assist with.
How Far Will I Be Flying On My Missions?
Generally, you will be flying between 250 and 400 nautical miles from your home base depending on your aircraft. Some lengthier missions require a multi-leg handoff to another volunteer pilot.
Will I Need To Supply Any Medical Assistance To My Clients?
No. We are not an air ambulance service, and our pilots do not provide any medical assistance before, during or after flights.
Am I Responsible For All Fuel Costs, Rentals, And Landing Fees?
All operational costs incurred during the mission are the responsibility of our volunteer pilots. If you identify yourself as an Pilots for Christ volunteer pilot and depending on the departure and/or arrival airport, there may be discounts and pilot benefits available, including FBO fuel discounts, hotel and rental car discounts and waived landing fees.
Can I Bring A Copilot?
Yes. We encourage our pilots to invite other pilots to assist with flight operations and clients. We do require that the  co-pilot or a right seat assistant sign the waiver before a flight.
Do I Have To Arrange Ground Transportation For My Clients?
No. Before their flights, our clients are required to arrange their own transportation TO the departure airport and FROM the arrival airport. There are cases, however, that we may be able to have an Autopilot on either end of the trip arranged for the client.
Can I Cancel Or Postpone My Mission Due To Weather?
Definitely. The safety of our pilots and clients is our primary concern. If weather conditions change, forecasts drop below your personal minimums, or if there is a mechanical issue with your aircraft, notify the office and any connecting pilots and we will attempt to help make alternate arrangements for the client.
Can I Combine A Personal Or Business Trip With A Pilots for Christ Mission?
Yes. However you utilize your aircraft, for work or pleasure, if you have time and space available on an outbound or inbound flight, please check the available missions list and combine your flight with a Pilots for Christ mission!
Is My Time As A Volunteer Pilot Tax Deductible?
Pilots for Christ operates as a 501(c)(3) organization. Your time as a volunteer pilot is not tax deductible, however, the hourly operational cost of your aircraft is fully tax-deductible under charitable contributions.
How Do I Sign Up For A Mission?
Once you are a member of Pilots for Christ and want to volunteer as a pilot, you'll be able to login to our website and view the current missions list and sign up for any available missions. A second option is to contact the nearest chapter to you and ask them their needs.
How Do I Become A Pilots for Christ Pilot?
We are always looking for pilots and their aircraft to fulfill our ever-increasing list of missions. 
You must first be a member of Pilots for Christ.  CLICK HERE to join Pilots for Christ and then go to the CHAPTERS page to contact someone to help you learn how to sign up for missions.
If you are already a member, then go to the CHAPTERS page and click on your nearest Chapter to volunteer!
Have A Question That Is Not On The List?  Give Us a Call at 816.517.1955