Preparing Christ-centered Pilots for Lives of Service
Aviation
At PUC, aviation is more than a degree—it’s a calling. Whether God leads you into mission flying, aeromedical service, or another part of the aviation industry, you’ll grow in skill, character, and spiritual purpose. Our instructors mentor you academically and spiritually, guiding you toward a life of service.
Why PUC?
Instructors with experience in mission, bush, aeromedical, and airline flying
On-campus airport—walk from your dorm to the airplane
A Christ-centered program where worship, prayer, and community shape your growth
Weekly Friday evening gatherings to welcome Sabbath and strengthen your walk with God
Flight Simulation Innovation Center for advanced training
Aviation
At PUC, aviation is more than a degree—it’s a calling. Whether God leads you into mission flying, aeromedical service, or another part of the aviation industry, you’ll grow in skill, character, and spiritual purpose. Our instructors mentor you academically and spiritually, guiding you toward a life of service.
Why PUC?
Instructors with experience in mission, bush, aeromedical, and airline flying
On-campus airport—walk from your dorm to the airplane
A Christ-centered program where worship, prayer, and community shape your growth
Weekly Friday evening gatherings to welcome Sabbath and strengthen your walk with God
Flight Simulation Innovation Center for advanced training
Explore the history of Seventh-day Adventist aviation and PUC's enduring role in it, now on display at our newly opened museum.
PUC Forward Campaign: Aviation
"Charlie," a 1976 Cessna U206F Stationair with 16,000+ hours of mission service across Papua New Guinea, Australia, and Vanuatu, has been fully restored and now calls PUC home. Your gift to PUC Forward keeps Charlie flying and equips the next generation of mission aviators.
The first step is to apply to PUC. When choosing aviation as your major, you have two options:
Pre-Aviation: This allows you to come to PUC and spend the first quarter working toward the requirements to enter the aviation program. At the end of your first quarter in residence, you will have the option of applying to the aviation program. You will be able to begin flight lessons once you are accepted into the aviation program.
Direct Entry Aviation: You can apply for direct entry into the aviation program by submitting the following documents:
Student pilot certificate
Class 1 aviation medical certificate
FAA Private Pilot Written Exam results of 85% or higher
A personal essay discussing why you are pursuing aviation, including a short history of any flying you have done in the past and what you would like to do in the future for an aviation career.
Three letters of reference from people who know you well but are not related to you (teacher, pastor, etc.). The letters should be emailed directly to flightcenter@puc.edu with the subject line "Recommendation: (Your Name)."
Go to iacra.faa.gov and complete the application for a student pilot certificate. Write down the FTN number you are assigned, as you will need this number every time you apply for a new FAA certificate. Submit your application and then contact us to arrange for one of our flight instructors to verify your application. Once this has been completed, you will be able to print out your temporary pilot certificate from the website. The card will be mailed to you within a few weeks.
Many online courses are available to help you prepare for this test. Look for material from Gleim, Sporty's, or King Schools. PUC Flight Center staff can produce practice tests for you to take. We can also help you book a time to take the test at our testing center. Contact us at (707) 965-6219 or flightcenter@puc.edu. You can also take the test elsewhere and submit the results to us.
Study hard. Coming to your lessons well-prepared will reduce the amount your instructor needs to teach you.
Double up. Ask us about riding in the back seat on other students' lessons so you can jump-start your learning.
Use the sims. Request to have some of your lessons in our flight simulators. You can also use them yourself for practice.
Be proactive. Ask your flight instructor how you can demonstrate competency in the most efficient way.
Available Degree Programs
Major in Aviation, A.S.
AS
Aviation
Associates
This is an accelerated two-year course to obtain Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot Certificate as well as a solid aviation academic foundation. (Requires at least the FAA Private Pilot Certificate and current medical as pre-requisites)
Major in Aviation, B.S.
BS
Aviation
Bachelors
This program provides a comprehensive four-year foundation for service as a career pilot. Students must complete Private, Instrument and Commercial Certification as well as a specified number of electives customized for the student’s chosen path. Electives currently include Flight Instructor and Technically
advanced humanitarian flight training, remote pilot certification or flight simulation development courses as appropriate to individual student objectives. Multi-engine
training is expected to return in Early 2027.
Luke Butler is a native of Angwin. He has a deep connection to the town by attending PUC Elementary, PUC Prep., and graduating from PUC with a B.S. in Aviation. Inspired by his love for aviation, Luke chose to stay with PUC after completing his degree in 2019. With a focus on safety and mentorship, he guides aspiring pilots toward achieving their goals with care and expertise. He has been with PUC since 2021 and has FAA accomplishments, commercial pilot privileges (MEL, SEL, and SES), and is an SEL flight instructor.
Merilyn Chaffee received a bachelor's of technology, aviation flight and maintenance from Andrews University in 1997 and a master's degree from Pacific Union College in 1999. She has been the vice president of operations at Dream Flights since 2015, and a real estate broker since 2010. Her FAA ratings include commercial pilot, instrument flight instructor, and airframe and powerplant mechanic. She has been a flight instructor for many years in places such as PUC Flight Center, MI Air in Redlands, CA, and Kaiser Air in Santa Rosa, CA. Merilyn has also taught classes to students in sixth grade up to the collegiate level in subjects such as music, education, and aviation. Flying has always been a big part of her life, and she is excited to share her love of aviation with PUC students and be a part of a program that trains Christ-centered pilots for lives of service. Merilyn is married to Garrison Chaffee, PUC Youth and Associate Pastor and they have 3 teenagers.
Education
1997, Bachelor's of Technology, Aviation Flight and Maintenance, Andrews University
1999, Masters of Arts, Education, Pacific Union College
David Hernandez Rodriguez originally hails from Tijuana, Mexico, and knew from a very young age that he wanted to become a pilot. After attending San Diego Academy, David chose to further his education and is currently studying at Pacific Union College, where he completed flight training. Driven by his love for flying, David gained extensive flight experience navigating the diverse and complex airspaces of both Northern and Southern California. Stepping into the role of flight instructor in April 2026, David is deeply committed to mentorship. He desires to train future aviators to an exceptionally high standard, sharing his expertise and passion for aviation with the PUC community.
Andrew Hosford is a passionate missionary-pilot who spent several years serving in the Philippines, combining faith and aviation to reach people in remote regions with the gospel. He often found himself as a literal lifeline for the sick and injured, providing emergency transportation where aviation was the last hope. After significant challenges and the loss of his girlfriend in a helicopter incident, Andrew has transitioned stateside and is now instructing at Pacific Union College. He continues to inspire young people to dedicate their talents to God’s work. Through his various roles, he challenges students to live boldly and serve selflessly wherever God calls. Andrew’s greatest joy is seeing others catch the same fire for mission that changed his life.
Daniel Navarro is a flight instructor who teaches 1-on-1 flight and ground lessons and program course lectures. He first worked at PUC as a flight instructor in 2016 and 2017, then came back in December 2023.
Before working at PUC, Daniel was an Air Ambulance pilot in Juneau, Alaska. Since becoming a pilot in 2013, he gained experience as a seaplane charter pilot and flight instructor in south-central Alaska, a banner pilot in Maryland, an amphibious aircraft instructor in Vacaville, and an airline pilot based in New York City, Chicago, and Salt Lake City.
Daniel grew up in Los Angeles and now resides in Angwin. He enjoys playing guitar, hiking the PUC forests, skiing, snowboarding, biking, and cooking.
Nathan grew up in the South Pacific Islands, surrounded by missionary aviation and World War II history. He began flight training in New Zealand as a missionary kid and completed his training at Andrews University, Michigan. He paid for his flight training by working as an aircraft mechanic for United Express.
PUC invited Nathan to lead the aviation program from June 2001 to June 2006. He and his wife Janel stepped forward from PUC to open up an internship pathway for PUC students, which was not successful due to the civil war. He flew an Air ambulance for 12 years based in Australia, including nearly 10 years at the iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, before returning to the USA as an airline pilot and new-hire simulator instructor for the Airbus 320 series.
Nathan is very blessed by his awesome wife Janel, incredible son, Stephen, and talented daughter, Hannah, who loves Jesus Christ with all their hearts.
Education
Thesis Title: “Ezekiel’s credibility: A seedbed dilemma?”, 2020 (not completed)
PhD. Philosophy- Ancient Skepticism, Avondale University, 2016
M.A. Christian Apologetics, Biola University, 2000
B.Tech Aviation Flight and Maintenance, Andrews University
FAA Ratings
Airline Transport Pilot -MEL
Commercial Pilot Privileges -SEL, Glider
Flight Instructor: SEL/MEL, Instrument Rating
Ground Instructor: Advanced/Instrument
Mechanic: Airframe and Powerplant
Type Ratings: Westwind IA-Jet 1124, Airbus 320 Series
