The School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) is a small Christian aviation school at Ionia County Airport, between Grand Rapids and Lansing, that trains mechanics and pilots for missionary aviation and open to all students.
Verified October 5, 2026 against SMAT’s 2025-26 catalog, program pages and FAA pass-rate data. Compare all Michigan A&P schools.
Quick Facts
- Length: 12 months (1,848 clock hours)
- Cost: $32,000 tuition, books and labs; about $36,350 with tools and FAA exams (2025-26)
- Location: Ionia, MI (Ionia County Airport)
- Website: Official School Web Page
Our Take
SMAT posts Michigan’s best FAA pass rate, 94.6% on 168 written tests, and finishes the A&P in 12 months for about $36,350 all-in, less than half of UTI’s price and faster than any public program in the state. The trade-offs: one class of 30 starts each August, the school is openly Christian (applicants need a spiritual reference), and you arrange your own housing. Graduates work for mission agencies and for commercial employers such as Cirrus, AAR and regional airlines.
At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| FAA status | Part 147 school (certificate M90T074K) |
| Accreditation | ACCET (since 2011) |
| Program | Aviation Maintenance Technology, 1,848 clock hours, 60% lab |
| Length | 12 months; one class a year, starting in late August |
| Class size | Up to 30 students |
| Admission | High school diploma or GED; references from a spiritual authority and a teacher or employer; proof you can cover costs |
| Cost (2025-26) | $32,000 tuition, books and labs; about $2,000 tools; $2,325 FAA exams; $25 application |
| Aid | Pell Grants, federal Direct and PLUS loans, GI Bill |
| Facility | 21,000-sq-ft school with sheet metal, welding, machine and NDT shops |
| FAA pass rate | 94.6% (159 of 168 written tests, Aug 2023–Dec 2024) |
| Verified | October 5, 2026 |
Programs and Costs
SMAT’s A&P program prepares students for all three FAA mechanic exams in one year. A separate one-year flight training program is also offered, and students can apply to both.
| Cost item (2025-26) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition, books and lab fees | $32,000 |
| Tools (approximate) | $2,000 |
| FAA written tests (3 × $175) | $525 |
| FAA oral and practical exams (3 × $600) | $1,800 |
| Application fee | $25 |
| Total | About $36,350 |
The $500 registration fee is credited to the first tuition payment. Housing is extra. SMAT had not posted 2026-27 costs when we checked.
What You Will Actually Pay
SMAT bills its $32,000 tuition in four installments across the year, per its 2025-26 catalog. It participates in Pell Grants and federal Direct Loans, including PLUS loans, and accepts GI Bill benefits. Students arrange their own housing; SMAT provides a list of local rentals.
Missionary focus and careers
SMAT’s mission is to train people to serve through aviation, and the program reflects that: the school is Christ-centered and asks for a spiritual reference. You do not need to plan a missionary career, though. SMAT’s job board lists openings at mission agencies such as Mission Aviation Fellowship and at commercial employers including Cirrus Aircraft, AAR, Bombardier and regional airlines.
How It Compares in Michigan
| School | Full A&P path | Length | Cost | FAA pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School of Missionary Aviation Technology (Ionia) | AMT program | 12 months | About $36,350 incl. tools and FAA exams (2025-26) | 94.6% |
| Western Michigan University (Battle Creek) | BS; A&P after year 2 | 2 years to A&P | About $37,000 to A&P (resident) | 93.2% |
| Lansing Community College (Mason) | A&P sequence (94 credits) | 24 months | About $27,700 in-district; $43,500 out-of-district | 86.6% |
| Universal Technical Institute (Canton) | A&P certificate | 20 months | $52,999 incl. books | 78.0% |
| Legacy Aviation Learning Center (Traverse City) | A&P program | 48 weeks | $42,350 incl. tools and FAA exams | New (2023) |
| Andrews University (Berrien Springs) | AMT certificate | 4 semesters | About $28,980 non-credit incl. tools | Too few tests |
SMAT has Michigan’s highest FAA pass rate. See all Michigan A&P schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a missionary to attend SMAT?
No. SMAT is open to all students, though it is a Christian school and asks for a reference from a spiritual authority. Graduates work in both mission and commercial aviation.
How much does SMAT cost?
$32,000 for tuition, books and labs in 2025-26, about $36,350 with tools and all FAA exams. Housing is extra.
Is SMAT FAA-approved?
Yes. SMAT operates FAA Part 147 school M90T074K, and graduates passed 159 of 168 FAA written tests from August 2023 to December 2024, per the FAA’s pass-rate report.
Related Programs
View All Aviation Mechanic Schools in Michigan
- Andrews University - Berrien Springs
- Lansing Community College - Mason
- Legacy Aviation Learning Center - Traverse City
- Universal Technical Institute - Canton
- Western Michigan University - Battle Creek