School of Missionary Aviation Technology
Welcome to SMAT!
At the School of Missionary Aviation Technology [SMAT] we provide mission-driven students with FAA-certified training in aircraft maintenance and flight. SMAT offers a professional, certified curriculum in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Students benefit from small class sizes in which strong, lasting relationships are built with instructors and fellow students.
Our mission is to glorify God by providing professional aviation training to a high standard that equips individuals to serve God and others through aviation.
2026 Banquet Details
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
— Psalm 96:3
We invite you to SMAT’s Annual Banquet as we gather to celebrate God’s faithfulness and the incredible ways He continues to work through missionary aviation around the world.
The 2026 Banquet will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the School of Missionary Aviation Technology Flight Training Hangar located on the SMAT campus of the Ionia County Airport in Ionia, MI.
The evening begins with facility tours at 5:00pm, appetizers at 5:30pm, followed by dinner at 6:00pm and a special program beginning at 7:00pm.
This year, we are honored to welcome guest speaker Jim Streit, a Samaritan’s Purse pilot who will share his remarkable testimony of God’s protection and faithfulness after his plane was hijacked while serving in Africa in December 2025.
Join us for an evening of fellowship, celebration, and stories of how God is using aviation to carry hope and the Gospel to the nations.
Aviation Training Programs
We provide Christ-centered, performance-based training in aviation flight, maintenance, and related technical disciplines. Students receive hands-on experience in both laboratory and field environments.
Pete’s Story
This video gives you a quick look at the training Pete Young received at SMAT in preparation for a career change in which God led him and his family to serve with AIM Air in Africa.
“I’m very thankful to SMAT for all they’ve done to prepare me to serve in mission aviation.”
Pete Young
Support SMAT
Learn about how you can contribute to the sustainability and growth of our mission-driven aviation school: donate money to help pay for student scholarships, facilities, and instructional supplies; donate aircraft to help improve our training capacity; volunteer for aircraft clean-up or instructional support. (SMAT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.)